Caraga: The trough of a tropical storm has affected 37,840 families, or 129,084 individuals, across 108 barangays in the Caraga Region since Monday, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-13) reported Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the weather disturbance brought moderate to heavy rains, triggering floods and landslides. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration noted in a 4 a.m. advisory Thursday that Tropical Storm Nuri remains outside the country's area of responsibility, located 1,405 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.
The adverse weather conditions resulted in 48 class suspensions and seven work suspensions by local government units, although these were all lifted by Wednesday. Despite the disruptions, 515 families, or 1,454 individuals, sought temporary refuge in designated evacuation centers for safety.
Breaking down the impact by province, 12,949 families (36,475 individuals) from 28 barangays were affected in Surigao del Sur, 21,251 families (77,196 individuals) from 69 barangays in Dinagat Islands, and 3,640 families (15,413 individuals) from 11 barangays in Agusan del Sur. Fortunately, most evacuees have returned home since Wednesday afternoon.
RDRRMC-13 confirmed that roads which were previously blocked due to debris from floods and landslides are now passable following clearing operations. Services, including power, have been restored in all areas that experienced interruptions due to the weather.
