CAGAYAN, Philippines — Santa Ana, Cagayan mayor Nelson Robinion has ordered on Monday (18 November 2019) an immediate preemptive evacuation of his constituents living in flood-prone barangays in their municipality.

All officials and staff of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) have allegedly gathered for a meeting at the town’s municipal gym to discuss emergency measures.

In the first week of November, barangays in Sta. Ana has been experiencing floods due to typhoon Quiel.

As a result, the local government and residents have been fortunate enough to evacuate before Typhoon Ramon takes over.

At least 16 barangay halls will be used for the evacuation while other residents will accordingly be taken to the municipal gym.

The local government is also planning to issue a waiver to the residents who do not want to be evacuated in flood-affected areas.

Meanwhile, tropical cyclone wind is currently in signal no. 2 in the province of Cagayan, including the towns of Sta. Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Cabagan, Sto. Tomas, Quezon, Delfin Albano, Tumauini, and Divilacan in Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, and Ilocos Norte.

Typhoon Ramon was last seen 140 kilometers northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The storm is expected to land in the northern part of Cagayan Monday night through Tuesday morning. (Marian Andrei Sinamban/IAMIGO/CNS)