Manila: Close to 47,000 persons have so far been affected by the combined effects of Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena and the prevailing shear line, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in its latest situational report, the NDRRMC stated that 46,923 affected individuals, equivalent to 15,363 families, are from 44 barangays in Region 13 (Caraga). As of Tuesday morning, 485 families are being sheltered in 19 evacuation centers while another 14 families are being aided in other places. Around 59 ports in five regions have suspended sailing operations due to the inclement weather, the NDRRMC said.
No casualties or damage have been reported. As of 7 a.m., Verbena was located in the vicinity of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, moving west-northwestward at 20 km/h. It made landfall over Talisay, Cebu, at 2:40 a.m. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in several areas due to Verbena.