EIGHT regions in Luzon and Visayas have been ordered to begin pre-emptive evacuations starting Friday, November 15, as Tropical Cyclones Ofel and Man-Yi pose a significant threat.
The order, issued by the Secretary of National Defense, aims to ensure the safety of residents in areas potentially affected by the storms. The regions under evacuation orders include Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
“We have a window period until Saturday to complete the evacuations,” said OCD Operations Service Director Cesar Idio during a press briefing. “The Secretary of National Defense has ordered the pre-emptive evacuation to begin tomorrow.”
Authorities have also instructed the affected regions to ensure the replenishment and pre-positioning of resources during this period.
While Ofel weakened to a typhoon on Thursday afternoon, the Babuyan Islands, eastern portions of mainland Cagayan, and northeastern portion of Isabela remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4.
