Palace urges flood-hit residents to stay in evacuation centers

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Sunday called on the residents affected by the flood to stay in evacuation centers for their safety.

“Pinapaalalahanan po namin ang publiko na manatiling alerto at ligtas. (We are reminding the public to remain alert and safe),” Roque said in a statement.

“Sa mga lugar na nakakaranas pa rin ng pagbaha, hinihikayat po namin kayo na manatili sa mga evacuation centers na inihanda ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan (To those in areas that are experiencing flooding, we urge you to stay in evacuation centers prepared by the local government),” he added.

The Palace cited that according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s 6 a.m. update, 961 areas in regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Metro Manila and Cordillera were affected by floods. Of these, floods in 762 areas have already subsided.

The Palace added that P120,409,360.92 worth of assistance has already been released by the government to help those affected.

The flooding was caused by continuous rains enhanced by Tropical Storm Yagi which was assigned the Philippine name "Karding" while it was inside the Philippine area of responsibility.

In Marikina City alone, around 528 families or 2,530 individuals were evacuated on Saturday after the Marikina River had reached critical levels at 18.01 meters raising third alarm. The water also reached 20.5 meters but is now down to 16.5 meters.

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On the other hand, some 1,146 families or 5,264 individuals were evacuated in Pasig City on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela cities, The STAR reported that 450 families or 1,524 individuals went to evacuation centers due to flood. — Rosette Adel