The combined effects of tropical depression “Wilma,” the northeast monsoon, and a shear line affected a total of 47,177 families or 132,716 individuals across several regions nationwide, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
In its latest situation report on Monday, the NDRRMC said 4,189 families or 13,933 persons are currently staying inside 102 evacuation centers, while 2,138 families or 8,606 individuals are being assisted outside evacuation facilities.
The NDRRMC said Eastern Visayas (Region 8) recorded the highest number of affected residents, with 17,406 families or 57,182 persons impacted by flooding and heavy rains. However, only 34 families or 96 individuals were recorded inside evacuation centers in the region as of the latest count.
Central Visayas (Region 7) followed with 18,266 families or 53,058 persons affected. Of these, 3,689 families or 12,567 individuals were staying inside evacuation centers, while 2,026 families or 8,166 persons were being assisted outside shelters.
In the Bicol Region (Region 5), authorities recorded 11,042 affected families or 21,544 individuals, though only 210 families or 570 persons were inside evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, Mimaropa reported 32 affected families or 115 individuals, all of whom were sheltered inside evacuation centers. Western Visayas (Region 6) recorded 288 affected families or 580 persons, while Caraga logged 143 families or 237 individuals impacted by Wilma.
Preemptive evacuations were also carried out involving 5,515 families or 18,088 individuals, mainly in Eastern Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Mimaropa, and Caraga.
“Wilma” was the 23rd tropical cyclone in the country this year, which peaked between December 4 to 6 before reverting back to a low pressure area. It remains inside the Philippine area of responsibility, affecting weather conditions across Mimaropa and Western Visayas, according to PAGASA.
One gate of three major dams remained open to release excess water on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
A gate of Ambuklao Dam in Benguet was open at 0.3 meters, releasing water at 59.85 cubic meters per second, while Binga Dam, also in Benguet, had one gate open at 0.5 meter that discharged water at 87.75 cms.
Magat Dam in the provinces of Isabela and Ifugao had one gate open at 1 meter, releasing excess water at 383.06 cms. The gates had been open since December 6.
The weather bureau’s latest advisory said 100-200 mm of rainfall will persist in Isabela today (Wednesday) until Thursday. PAGASA warned of numerous flooding events, especially in areas that are urbanized, low-lying or near rivers, and of landslides in highly susceptible areas.
Expect 50-100 mm of rainfall in Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Quirino, Aurora and Quezon on December 9; in Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora on December 10; and Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Quirino and Aurora on December 11.
Localized flooding is possible mainly in areas that are urbanized, low-lying and near rivers, and possible landslides in highly susceptible areas.
