Over 87,000 residents in Quezon evacuate due to Pepito

Over 87,000 residents in Quezon Province evacuated due to the effects of Typhoon Pepito, Jun Veneracion reported in “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

The Quezon provincial government ordered that evacuees may only return to their homes once storm signals are lifted. In PAGASA's 11 p.m. bulletin, Signal No. 3 is still hoisted over the entire province even as Pepito has weakened over the coast of La Union and Pangasinan. 

Some roads were flooded as Pepito battered Polillo with fierce winds, rain, and strong waves. The provincial government estimated that the waves that hit the beach reached five feet high.

In Tagkawayan, Quezon, the police went to flood and landslide-prone areas. Fierce winds brought by Pepito could still be felt in the morning.

Amid the rain and strong winds, a mother and her child were rescued since their nipa hut might have been damaged. While some residents chose to stay behind, one said that it is important that children are evacuated to safety.

The evacuation was prompt. Some residents were evacuated to schools and evacuation centers while others opted to stay with their relatives.

“Kasama po namin ang Panginoong Diyos eh, kahit may bagyo man o hindi, dito kami, mas safe kami dito dahil nasa chapel po kami nag evacuate po,” a resident said.

(The Lord is with us. Even if there is a storm or none, we are safer here because we are in the chapel.)

“Ang bilin po ni Governor Helen Tan sa mga LGUs, sa mga MDRRMO hanggang hindi po ibinababa ang signal ay hindi ay hindi po sila pababalikin doon sa kanikanilang mga tahanan,” said Jun Lubid, public information chief of the Qeezon Provincial Government.

(Governor Helen Tan ordered LGUs and MDRRMOs that until the signal is lowered, evacuees cannot return to their homes.)

In Sariaya, the Lagnas Bridge was closed because its foundation was weak and dangerous. It is located along Maharlika Highway leading to the Bicol Region. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News