In Cagayan, the continuous onslaught of storms has left both residents and rescuers exhausted - survivors struggling to cope and rescuers falling ill after weeks of non-stop rescue operations.
One evacuee, Arlene Veronilla from Tuguegarao City, was forced to return to the evacuation center five times in just over a month because of storms Julian, Kristine, Leon, Marce, and Nika.
She now only carries the bare essentials due to the overwhelming fatigue of fleeing her flood-prone home repeatedly.
"Ganun talaga, ma’am, wala kaming magawa kasi ang bahay naman namin ay laging binabaha," Veronilla said.
Anthony Cudal, another resident, said he has been unable to sleep properly for nearly a week due to constant flood monitoring since the arrival of Typhoon Marce.
To prepare for the approaching Typhoon Ofel, he set up a tent on the side of the road, housing his family’s belongings and pets there.
"Mahirap talaga... puyat, pagod, nagbubuhat kami ng mga gamit namin, mga alaga... mahirap," Cudal said.
The local government has warned residents like Cudal to move back to the evacuation centers, as it is dangerous to stay in tents along the roadside.
"Tatanggalin na natin sila dito, may evacuation center tayo, doon dapat sila," Engr. Paul Antolin, Alcala Municipal Engineer, said.
STRAINED RESCUERS
The frequent storms have also put a strain on rescuers, some of whom have fallen ill after weeks of non-stop rescue operations.
"Mayroon na tayong ganyang cases na may mga ubo at sipon," Ruelie Rapsing, Officer in Charge of Cagayan’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said.
"Somehow, pino-provide natin ang mga supplements nila," Rapsing added.
As Typhoon Ofel approaches, rescuers are calling for more cooperation from residents.
"Ang problema lang kasi kapag ililikas mo sila, ayaw nila, kapag bagyo na tsaka na sila magpapalikas," Angelito Agarpio, a rescuer, said.
With flooding still affecting homes, roads, and bridges, authorities are keeping evacuees in centers for their safety.
As of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, over 25,000 individuals remain in evacuation centers in Cagayan.
