The Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), headed by Governor Luigi Villafuerte, declared zero casualties amidst the risks and threats brought about by Super Typhoon Pepito on November 16, 2024.
Two (2) days before the typhoon, the CamSur PDRRMC identified and established evacuation centers for the eight (8) municipalities that have been fully submerged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, including provincially-managed evacuation centers at the Capitol Evacuation Center, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Pili Campus, Agdangan Elementary and High School in Baao, San Agustin Elementary School in Iriga City, and Baao Community College.
On November 15, the CamSur PDRRMC deployed 40 evacuation teams to high-risk areas of CamSur, including those fully submerged due to the effect of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Composed of members from the Provincial Government’s Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office, Sagip Kalikasan Task Force, Provincial Health Office, Civil Security Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army 565 ECB, 93 DRC, 9th IB, 83rd IB, and FMAG Rescue Philippines Inc., the evacuation teams augmented and assisted the municipal DRRMOs and facilitated massive evacuation in Nabua, Bula, Buhi, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Lagonoy, Canaman, Minalabac, Milaor, Camaligan, Baao, Tinambac, Gainza, Calabanga, and Magarao. With the teams were 50 vehicular assets for the transport of evacuees.
A total number of 75,154 families from high-risk and vulnerable areas were evacuated and safely returned to their houses after the typhoon.
Moreover, to ensure swift, seamless, and uninterrupted communication before, during, and after the typhoon, the Provincial Government through the Information, Communication, Archiving, and Records Management Office installed and activated Starlink satellites in all 35 municipalities and 1 city of CamSur.
The Search, Rescue, and Retrieval teams of CamSur PDRRMC were also deployed in seven (7) staging areas and command posts located at MDRRMO Pamplona, Capitol Complex, 902BDE Tigaon, MDRRMO Tinambac, MDRRMO Garchitorena, San Agustin Elementary School in Iriga City, and Agdangan Elementary School in Baao.
The Provincial Government also prepositioned relief goods that contain basic necessities, particularly food items that the affected families need. They also provided hot meals to all evacuees through the Ka Fuerte Mobile Kitchen.
The local chief executive also suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools as well as work in Provincial Government Offices, except those performing duties and delivering services essential to emergency response. The City and Municipal DRRMOs also activated its EOC and IMT in their respective areas.
As Super Typhoon Pepito made its landfall along the eastern coast of Catanduanes, tropical cyclone wind signal no. 5 was also raised in the northeastern portion of Camarines Sur, including Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, and Presentacion.
Immediately after the typhoon, CamSur PDRRMC deployed teams for clearing operations in their respective areas. Continued provision of hot meals and relief goods have also been conducted and prioritized. The provincial government also sent out the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) team to the severely affected areas, particularly in Partido District, to assess the damages brought by the typhoon. Proper measures are also being taken for the relief and recovery of those affected by the calamity.
