Scores of families and individuals from different areas in Negros Oriental evacuated to safer ground ahead of Tropical Depression “Basyang,” which hit the province yesterday afternoon.

In Bindoy town, a total of 361 families or 1,285 individuals are now temporarily staying at five evacuation centers, said Wilfur Herrera, head of the town’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

“We started pre-emptive evacuation Thursday evening to ensure that our residents, especially in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, are safe,” Herrera said.

An initial report from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office showed the families who evacuated were from: Guihulngan City, 30; Awa-an, Ayungon, two; Tayasan, 80; Canlaon City, five; San Jose, 27; and Dumaguete, seven.

Individuals who also fled their homes included those from Guihunlgan, 93; Awa-an, Ayungon, eight; Tayasan, 195; Canlaon City, 17; San Jose, 63; and Dumaguete, 14.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said six flights from Dumaguete to Manila and vice versa have been cancelled.

Captain Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the number of passengers stranded at sea ports in Dumaguete, Amlan, Apo Island, and Sibulan totaled 116.

The Provincial Highway Patrol Group conducted road clearing and traffic management operations at the Tampi wharf in Amlan town to ensure public safety.

Several trucks and other vehicles are stranded following the cancellation of barge trips by Maayo Shipping, Inc.

The Emergency Operations Center of the province is closely monitoring the track of “Basyang” as it draws nearer to Negros Oriental, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 hoisted over the province. (PNA)