Emergency Evacuations as Tropical Depression Hits Caraga
Emergency personnel worked tirelessly on Monday to evacuate residents in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, as Tropical Depression Verbena unleashed severe weather across the Caraga Region. The storm has displaced nearly 6,000 individuals and affected more than 15,500 families throughout the area according to disaster management officials.
Regional Impact and Evacuation Efforts
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-13) reported Tuesday that 47,473 individuals or 15,542 families from 69 barangays felt the storm's impact. The massive displacement forced 5,744 individuals to evacuate their homes due to dangerous flooding conditions that began engulfing communities since Monday.
In Butuan City alone, the City Social Welfare and Development Department confirmed that 392 families or 1,303 individuals from 13 barangays were directly impacted by TD Verbena. The city government established 17 evacuation centers to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by rising floodwaters.
Government Response and Assistance
Local government units across Caraga Region implemented 23 class suspensions and 10 work suspensions on Monday to ensure public safety. Sea travel to and from several provinces was also temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure against the storm's effects.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with local governments, has provided PHP 113,424 worth of food assistance to affected families. Regional disaster officials reported that at least 4,955 individuals are currently housed in 55 evacuation centers spread across the region.
Butuan City authorities confirmed that all displaced families have received support and essential services from the city government as emergency response operations continue throughout the affected areas.
