Residents in landslide and flood-prone areas should evacuate if told to do so, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said Wednesday, following the effects of Typhoon “Urduja” that left 41 dead.
“If told to evacuate, evacuate,” Cimatu said, adding that people should heed government warnings and emergency alerts, as some parts of the country brace for more severe weather effects.
He cautioned those living along the path of storms, particularly in the eastern seaboard of the country, to stay alert and follow warnings from concerned national and local government agencies.
“We are particularly appealing to those living in areas that have already been identified as highly susceptible to landslides and floods to please evacuate as soon as you are told to, so that we can achieve zero casualty,” Cimatu, a former Armed Forces Chief of Staff who has supervised many evacuations, said.
A storm could quickly and unexpectedly change its direction, speed and intensity, therefore those staying along the vulnerable areas must ensure the safety of their family before “it becomes too dangerous to do so” and it is too late, the environment secretary added.
“Lives are more important than property. Let us all remain safe and alive, especially during this Christmas season,” he said.
Cimatu reacted to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration that a low pressure area could possibly develop into a tropical cyclone to be named “Vinta.”
He called on the public to use technology to keep abreast of government updates and safety information.