Over 500 residents evacuated in San Juan, Batangas

Over 500 residents of coastal barangays and other flood-prone areas in San Juan, Batangas were evacuated by authorities on Tuesday due to the torrential downpour and intense winds brought by Typhoon Tisoy.

According to a report by John Consulta on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the city was mostly spared by Tisoy despite some reported damages to homes.

“Nakaraos na ang bayan ng San Juan. Hindi po nasalanta masyado at hindi po nagkaroon ng kung ano pa mang disaster dito sa amin,” Mayor Ilde Brando Salud said.

Residents reported incidents of rooftops being blown away or signages being damaged by the strong winds.

Salud said one house was partially damaged, while another was swept off completely by the wind.

Despite threats to their safety, some residents insisted on staying in their homes rather than moving to evacuation centers.

“Kahit lalakas pa ng onti [ang ulan] dito, ‘di pa rin kami aalis. E kung ganito lang ang tubig e. Kaya pa,” said resident Ricardo Hernandez.

Evacuation centers in San Juan and neighboring cities are currently experiencing a brownout.

Local authorities said they will allow evacuees to return to their homes once the typhoon has completely gone away.

State weather bureau PAGASA forecasts that Tisoy will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News