Forced evacuation ordered in Leon-threatened areas

Residents living in areas identified as high risk will be under forced and mandatory evacuation, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. ordered yesterday as Severe Tropical Storm Leon continues to gain strength.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

Residents living in areas identi ed as high risk will be under forced and mandatory evacuation, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. ordered yesterday as Severe Tropical Storm Leon continues to gain strength.

In response to the directive, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum that directed all local government units (LGUs) to comply.

“Local chief executives are urged to execute forced evacuations as necessary, in accordance with Republic Act 10121 and the Local Government Code, ensuring that residents in highrisk areas promptly relocate to designated evacuation centers or safe areas,” Teodoro said.

Upon Teodoro’s directive, the DILG has issued a memorandum to all local government units and DILG regional directors of Regions I, II, V and CAR, and the chiefs of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, to implement forced evacuation protocols in anticipation of potential heavy rainfall.

Signal No. 5

The highest wind signal could be hoisted over the next few days as Leon could reach super typhoon category as it makes a close approach over Batanes tomorrow, according to state weather forecasters.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signal No. 5 has not been ruled out as Leon could make landfall over Batanes tomorrow morning or noon. Signal No. 5 will make Leon as powerful as Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Leon, which intensi ed into a typhoon yesterday at around 11 a.m., was monitored 505 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan as of 4 p.m., carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.