68 Itogon families evacuate amid prolonged rains in Benguet

Sixty-eight families (351 people) have voluntarily evacuated their homes in the Benguet municipality of Itogon as prolonged rains from a succession of weather disturbances and the enhanced southwest monsoon raised safety concerns in several communities. BAGUIO CITY – Sixty-eight families (351 people) have voluntarily evacuated their homes in the Benguet municipality of Itogon as prolonged rains from a succession of weather disturbances and the enhanced southwest monsoon raised safety concerns in several communities. As of Monday, a total of 227 families, or 874 individuals, have been affected by the continued rains across Itogon’s nine barangays, according to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO). It said 81 houses were also reported damaged. The evacuations were carried out as residents in high-risk areas responded to government advisories to seek safer locations amid weeks of rainfall brought by weather disturbances Luis, Maymay, Neneng, Obet, and Pilandok, as well as the monsoon. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Benguet in Cordillera under state of calamity Barangay Ampucao recorded the highest number of affected families at 65 (256 individuals, followed by Loacan with 47 families (211 people). Gumatdang reported 46 affected families, while Poblacion had 44 families (134 individuals). The MSWDO distributed 238 family food packs and hygiene kits to affected residents. The provincial government also provided 200 five-kilogram rice packs, while the Office of Civil Defense in the Cordillera provided nonfood items and fuel assistance for emergency response operations. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended cash assistance to affected families in Gumatdang, Virac, Tuding, and Tolibeng in Loacan. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office provided additional nonfood items to families in Tolibeng. Mayor Bernard Waclin, together with the MSWDO and disaster risk reduction councils, led the assessment and relief efforts. The municipal government said no casualties had been reported in Itogon amid the prolonged rains and successive weather disturbances. Maureen Matayew / Contributor/coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.