By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A total of 173 residents from a riverside community in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro were evacuated Tuesday morning after continuous rains pushed up river waters and threatened homes in the area.
The mandatory evacuation was carried out by the PNP-Maritime Group’s Abra de Ilog Maritime Law Enforcement Team at around 6 a.m. in Sitio Kabilang Ilog, Barangay Wawa, as authorities responded to the rising water level.
Police said 55 families, comprising 173 individuals, were moved to safer areas as a precaution against possible flooding.
The evacuation came amid persistent rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and a low-pressure area, which caused the river to rise and increased the risk to residents living near its banks.
The operation brought together multiple government agencies and local responders, including the Abra de Ilog Municipal Police Station, the 402nd B Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Abra de Ilog, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and officials of Barangay Wawa.
Authorities opted for immediate evacuation as the continuing rainfall caused water levels to rise, putting the riverside community at potential risk.
The PNP-Maritime Group said it would continue closely monitoring conditions in the area while coordinating with the local government and other response agencies.
Search-and-rescue equipment has also been placed on standby, ready for deployment should the situation deteriorate or additional emergency assistance become necessary.
The evacuation underscored the continuing vigilance of local authorities as heavy rains persist and water levels remain a threat to communities situated along waterways.
ia/xf
