Amang's Floods and Landslides Displace Hundreds in the Philippines

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tropical Depression Amang has weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA) but will still bring scattered rains throughout the country today. The LPA was monitored around the vicinity of Infanta, Quezon yesterday afternoon and will bring rain showers to Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Camarines Norte. Rizal and Quezon, in particular, are expected to experience light to moderate, and at times heavy rains. The remnant low and localized thunderstorms will also bring isolated rain showers to other parts of the country. PAGASA warns of possible flash floods and landslides during heavy rain.

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As it traveled across the eastern part of the country, Amang made landfall in three locations: Panganiban in Catanduanes, Presentacion, and Lagonoy in Camarines Sur. The first tropical cyclone wind signal was the one that was increased to the highest level over Amang.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports that Amang has affected and displaced at least 81 families, or some 280 people, in the Bicol region alone. The NDRRMC has provided necessary assistance to affected residents from at least seven barangays in Camarines Norte, Naga, Camarines Sur, and Albay. Floods caused by bad weather conditions affected seven bridges and caused the cancellation of two domestic flights. Twelve seaports were also affected, stranding 3,395 passengers and 635 rolling cargoes. As of yesterday, there have been no reported deaths or injuries in affected provinces where floodwaters are already subsiding.

All locations with tropical cyclone warning signals automatically suspended classes from kindergarten through senior high school. Classes both in person and online were postponed or canceled on Wednesday in numerous locations because of Tropical Depression Amang.

Agriculture damage due to Amang in Bicol reached P12.34 million as many farms were submerged in floods, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said. Of the total crops affected, P8.07 million were rice fields covering 1,017 hectares. Damage to high-value crops reached P4 million, and the affected number of farmers and fisherfolk totaled to 1,200, mostly in Camarines Sur and Sorsogon, according to the DA Office of the Director for Field Operation Services officer-in-charge U-Nichols Manalo.

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Source:

Philstar