145 people evacuated in Occidental Mindoro town due to habagat rains

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — At least 145 individuals from 41 families have been evacuated in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, as continuous heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) prompted authorities to raise flood and landslide alerts on Saturday, July 11.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Sablayan said the evacuees were temporarily sheltered in village evacuation centers after residents from the barangays of Buenavista, Poblacion, Sto. Niño, Sta. Lucia, and Batong Buhay conducted preemptive evacuations.

The figures were recorded as of 7 a.m., according to government data.

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READ: Pagasa: Typhoon Inday exits PAR on Saturday morning

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Authorities said the number of evacuees could still increase as residents of Barangay Claudio Salgado, a flood-prone community, may also be forced to leave their homes should heavy rains persist during high tide.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed Occidental Mindoro under red rainfall Warning as of 8 a.m. Saturday due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Under a red warning, flooding is considered threatening in low-lying areas while landslides are likely in mountainous communities.

Pagasa urged the public and local disaster risk reduction and management councils to closely monitor weather conditions and await succeeding rainfall advisories.

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The MDRRMO said it remains on heightened alert and is coordinating with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and other government agencies to respond to emergencies and assist affected residents.

The enhanced Habagat has continued to dump heavy rains over parts of Luzon and the Visayas, prompting disaster preparedness measures and travel disruptions in several provinces. /das

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