NDRRMC: 5 reported deaths due to Ramil

Heavy flooding, forced evacuations of thousands in Bicol, Western Visayas, Calabarzon

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG, ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ, and AARON RECUENCO

Tropical Storm “Ramil” unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds that prompted the preemptive evacuation of 22,000 individuals while 5 deaths were being validated, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) disclosed on Sunday, Oct. 19.

A report from the NDRRMC showed 7,884 families or 22,311 persons were preemptively evacuated in Bicol (Region 5) and Calabarzon (Region 4A).

The evacuated residents were from Quezon province, Albay, Catanduanes, and Masbate. From low-lying communities, floodand landslide-prone areas, they were brought to safe shelters by the authorities.

Meanwhile, five members of a family in Pitogo, Quezon reportedly died after they were hit by a fallen buli tree while inside their house made of light materials.

"We're still validating the reports," Office of Civil Defense (OCD) deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano told reporters.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 6,560 passengers were stranded in 38 ports along with 1,911 rolling cargoes, 41, vessels and two motorboats due to suspension of sea trips.

There were also 51 vessels and 29 motorboats taking shelter due to Ramil.

In Western Visayas, the Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) launched rescue operations across parts of Antique and Capiz as heavy rains brought by Ramil triggered flooding in several low-lying areas.

Coast guard personnel facilitated the evacuation of residents in Barangays Bulanao, Taboc, and Union in Libertad, Antique after floodwaters rose to knee level and entered several homes.

Evacuees were safely transported to designated temporary shelters as coordination continued between the PCG, local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and barangay officials.