CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Several towns on Polillo Island in Quezon province experienced power outages and unstable communication lines due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) on Sunday, according to a report from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Calabarzon.
Reyan Derrick Marquez, chief of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division and spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Calabarzon, provided updates in a phone interview.
He said heavy rains and strong winds were experienced in Jomalig town early Sunday morning, causing a power outage as early as 3:30 a.m., though communication lines remained stable.
In Burdeos, heavy rains, strong winds, and power outages were experienced starting at 2 a.m., along with unstable communication lines.
In Polillo, town, power outages were reported at 7 a.m., along with heavy rains and strong winds. Communication lines, however, remained stable.
On the other hand, the towns of Panukulan and Patnanungan reported strong winds. Panukulan experienced moderate to heavy rains with no mobile signal, while Patnanungan faced light rains with unstable communication. Power remained stable in both areas.
Marquez also noted that 33, 959 individuals or 11, 346 families across the region adhered to preemptive evacuation orders. No fatalities, injuries, or missing persons have been reported.
“We are working to re-establish stable communication with the towns on Polillo Island as quickly as possible,” Marquez stated. He expressed relief that no casualties have been reported, adding, “We are in a better position compared to the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.”
Additionally, he said, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to updates from local disaster management offices. Efforts are ongoing to restore essential services and maintain communication with affected towns.
As of 2 p.m., Polillo Island had been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, down from TCWS No. 5. (PNA)