Camarines Norte locals evacuate ahead of Ulysses onslaught

Camarines Norte residents were preemptively evacuated by authorities on Tuesday as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised over the eastern portion of the province ahead of Tropical Storm Ulysses’ landfall.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on “24 Oras,” the provincial government ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents in Daet, Mercedes, San Vicente, Talisay, Basud, Santa Elena, and Capalonga.

“Kailangan namin magkaroon ulit ng preemptive evacuation kasi baka lumakas na naman po ‘yung ulan. Talagang kailangan naming alisin ‘yung mga kababayan namin na malapit po sa dagat at mga ilog na puwedeng bumaha,” provincial administrator Don Culvera said.

Authorities said some 14,000 families needed to be evacuated.

Forced evacuation would also be implemented starting Wednesday morning.

Evacuees were advised to observe minimum health standards in the temporary shelters.

State weather bureau PAGASA earlier said Ulysses would likely make a close approach to Catanduanes and Camarines Norte on Wednesday.  — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News