22,311 evacuated in Calabarzon, Region 5 as TS Ramil nears

Over 22,000 individuals in Calabarzon and Region 5 were preemptively evacuated as Tropical Storm Ramil approached.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 22,311 individuals were evacuated, with 7,884 families moved to safer grounds.

Due to the storm, 39 seaports suspended operations, leading to the stranding of 3,242 passengers, 1,050 rolling cargoes, six vessels, and seven motor bancas.

However, the Philippine Coast Guard reported higher numbers of stranded passengers and vessels.

PAGASA stated that Tropical Storm Ramil maintained its strength while offshore Alabat, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching 90 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was issued for 17 areas, and a gale warning was raised over the eastern and western seaboards of Luzon.

A storm surge with waves up to 2.0 meters is possible in several low-lying coastal areas within 36 hours.

Despite the disruptions, authorities have reported no damage to infrastructure or agriculture so far.