A total of 247 individuals were evacuated in Guihulngan City and Bindoy town in Negros Oriental on Wednesday evening due to heavy rainfall caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the police said.

A report from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) through its spokesperson Lt. Stephen Polinar on Thursday said the evacuees included 60 households in Guihulngan and 53 households in Cabugan, Bindoy.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7 (DSWD-7) confirmed the evacuation of these individuals.

The local government units provided them with initial relief.

DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Lucero assured that in case the LGU runs out of relief goods, they are ready to provide the evacuees with family food packs that have already been prepositioned in some areas in Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, the Dauin LGU has requested 300 FFPs for residents of Apo Island who have been affected by “Kristine”, Lucero said.

“Although only seven houses were damaged on the island, the residents there are considered affected by the typhoon as they thrive on fishing as a main source of income,” Lucero said.

The agency is also preparing to distribute relief goods in areas of Sta. Catalina, Tanjay City, and Bais City. The number of beneficiaries, however, is still being validated.

Following the pre-emptive evacuation in Guihulngan City, the internally displaced persons returned to their homes on Thursday after the strong winds and heavy rains subsided, the DSWD-7 said. (PNA)