Evacuation ordered in several barangays in Masbate City as Agaton strengthens

The City of Masbate welcomed the new year with heavy rains brought by tropical depression Agaton forcing evacuation in several barangays and low-lying areas.

As of 10:30 a.m of January 1, Masbate City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has started its preparation to evacuate residents from 14 barangays, namely:

1. Purok 7, Ibingay
2. Sitio Himomoro, Nursery
3. Tugbo
4. Espinosa
5. Bagumbayan
6. Kinamaligan
7. Batuhan
8. Anas
9. Bolo
10. Cawayan Interior
11. Cawayan Exterior
12. Sinalongan
13. Cagay
14. Asid

“Residents in other identified low lying areas are advised to prepare their emergency evacuation kits and to evacuate to safe areas,” the City said.

“They are also expected to FULLY COMPLY with EVACUATION PROTOCOLS. DO NOT wait for when it is already TOO LATE to evacuate,” it added.

Masbate City said that Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Managament Councils are expected to take necessary actions and monitor the weather bulletins from Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The City said that just an hour after the country welcomed the new year, the City DRRMO and the Provincial DRRMO have already responded to flooding in Sitio Cagba, Barangay Tugbo. Reported flooding was allegedly waist deep.

“The team rescued and helped motorists and pedestrians to cross the flooded area. Rescue operation ended at about 2:30AM,” the City said.

PAGASA’s latest weather monitoring showed that the low pressure area has developed into Tropical Depression Agaton. The state weather bureau also raised tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 in 16 areas in Mindanao and Visayas.