Thousands affected by Tropical Depression Verbena in Philippines

Close to 47,000 individuals have been impacted by the combined effects of Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena and the prevailing shear line, the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.

According to the council’s latest situational report, a total of 46,923 people, or 15,363 families, from 44 barangays in Region 13 (Caraga) have been affected. As of November 25 morning, 485 families were taking shelter in 19 evacuation centers, while an additional 14 families were receiving aid in other locations, Philippine News Agency reports.

The NDRRMC noted that around 59 ports across five regions have suspended sailing operations due to the inclement weather. No casualties or damage have been reported so far.

As of 7 a.m., Verbena was located in the vicinity of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, moving west-northwestward at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. The depression made landfall over Talisay, Cebu, at 2:40 a.m.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in several areas in response to the ongoing effects of Verbena.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to remain vigilant as the storm moves across the central Philippines.

By Vafa Guliyeva