Palace: Typhoon Ruby Has ‘Zero Casualties’

As Typhoon Ruby made landfall Sunday morning it has yet to claim any life, a Palace official said.

In a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said local government unit’s (LGU) preparedness has paid off.

“Mukhang mas handa naman po ang mga LGU natin ngayon… So far, mukhang mas better prepared, ang information natin from the ground is mas better prepared po ‘yung ating mga LGU,” said Valte.

“(It is) better to err on the side of prudence and on the side of caution. Mahirap na po ‘yung malagasan po tayo ng ating mga kasamahan dahil lang po hindi natin sineryoso ang mga warnings,” she added.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as of 6 am of Sunday, a total of 146,875 families have been evacuated in Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, and CARAGA, said Valte.

Valte noted that Frontline Team in Borongan, Samar is safe, and that President Benigno Aquino gave specific orders on the quickness and swiftness of damage assessment.

“The national government continues to be on alert and is constantly monitoring both the ground situation and supply coordination efforts. As we go through this storm in the following days, let us remain calm and vigilant, and bolster our government’s efforts to disseminate accurate information,” said Valte. PND (ag)