While the effects of supertyphoon “Uwan” in Laguna province wasn’t as severe as feared, authorities have decided not to take chances in ensuring the safety of residents.
This was evidenced by the number of families who were subjected to pre-emptive evacuation due to the supertyphoon last November 9.
In its report released last November 10, the Laguna Provincial Information Office (PIO) said 3,550 families, corresponding to 13,187 individuals, were evacuated in the province in preparation for “Uwan’s” onslaught.
Thirty-four percent of these evacuees came from the province's first district (Biñan, San Pedro and Santa Rosa cities), which registered a total of 1,235 families or 5,189 individuals subjected to pre-emptive evacuation.
This was followed by the second district (1,293 families or 4,548 individuals), third district, particularly the city of San Pablo (869 families or 2,929 individuals) and the fourth district, particularly the towns of Pila and Lumban (153 families, or 521 individuals).
The provincial government of Laguna immediately dispatched relief packs, hygiene kits and other necessities to evacuees, in cooperation with various local government units (LGUs).
“Bukod sa pamamahagi ng relief goods tiniyak din ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na may nakahandang emergency response teams upang tumulong sa mga evacuee kung lumala ang lagay ng panahon o magkaroon ng pagbaha sa kanilang lugar," the Laguna PIO said in its statement.
Authorities credit the proactive approach of local disaster risk reduction and management offices to the low casualty due to "Uwan."
As of press time, the Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has recorded a zero casualty rate from the supertyphoon in the province.
Meanwhile, a total of 408,611 customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) in Laguna province and other areas experienced power interruptions at the height of the supertyphoon.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #TyphoonUwan #Meralco