Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Odette nears PH

Preemptive evacuations have been conducted for thousands of individuals in anticipation of Typhoon Odette's arrival, particularly in the Eastern Visayas and Caraga regions, and now also in Negros Occidental.

In Negros Occidental, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson encouraged local government units to enforce preemptive evacuation for residents in flood-prone areas, with some LGUs already complying.

As of Thursday afternoon, 96 families in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, were evacuated to a school and received relief goods.

The typhoon has caused disruptions in transportation, stranding 3,891 passengers and 1,745 rolling cargoes, along with vessels and motorbancas.

While 36 ports initially suspended operations due to the weather, 10 of these in Bicol have since resumed.

A rain-induced landslide was also reported in Eastern Visayas.

As of Thursday morning, southern and central portions of Negros Occidental were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3, with the rest of the province under Signal No. 2.