Over 480 individuals evacuated in Cagayan due to Typhoon Betty

More than 480 individuals were evacuated in Cagayan amid the threat of Typhoon Betty.

According to a report by GMA One North Central Luzon's Jasmin Gabriel Galban on "24 Oras" Monday, at least 140 families, or a total of 486 individuals, are temporarily seeking shelter in evacuation centers as of 6 p.m.

In Gonzaga town, over 300 indigenous peoples were rescued preemptively from their residences and transferred to the municipal hall.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed food packs while health officials conducted a medical examination of the evacuees.

“‘Yung may mga may sakit, may ibang room sa kanila. Tsaka 'yung mga lactating mothers, may separate rooms. Nasa evacuation center sila,” MSWD Officer Reni Imperio said. 

Meanwhile, rescue personnel are positioned in several coastal communities in preparation for possible operations. Residents are likewise advised against the possible storm surge due to the strong and huge waves brought about by the typhoon.

Signal No. 2 is currently raised in the Northeastern portion of Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga) including Babuyan Islands. The state weather bureau, PAGASA, said the center of the eye of Betty was last seen at 445 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan, as of 4 p.m. —Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News