LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The province of Ilocos Norte is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) number 1 and is experiencing heavy rains due to Super Typhoon Goring, based on the latest weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of August 30, 5:00 p.m.
Flooding in some barangays have also been reported in the towns of Bacarra, Solsona, Paoay, Batac City, and Laoag City.
Evacuation and rescue operations have been conducted in the mentioned areas to assist affected residents and stranded motorists.
As of this posting, the two lanes along Manila Road in Sitio Bangquero, Brgy. Pancian in Pagudpud are now passable after the clearing operations of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Meanwhile, the Laoag City Disaster Risk and Management Office (CDRRMO) is continuously monitoring the water level of the Padsan River and already conducted a pre-emptive evacuation for 96 individuals belonging to 42 families from six barangays in the city.
“Ang mga unpassable roads, yung dati ring nababaha sa P. Gomez Street, malapit sa Laoag City Balay Silangan at DepEd Laoag. Yung unpassable road kanina dahil sa landslide sa Brgy. Lagui ay na-address na ng City Engineering Office,” German Fermin, Laoag CDRRMO Officer said.
In Batac City, personnel from the CDRRMO have also evacuated 36 individuals belonging to 13 families, as of today.
During the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting on August 24, Rochelle C. Gajes of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office said that their stockpile left from Super Typhoon Egay can still make about 400 family food packs.
“May available rin po tayong family food packs from DSWD na 6,846. Yung donation rin ng NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) na family food packs mayroon pang for 500 persons. May bottled waters pa na natira, rice donations, at canned goods. For non-food items, we have blankets, towels, slippers, mugs, at hygiene kits,” she said.
Yesterday and this morning, the northern portion of Ilocos Norte, namely in the towns of Adams, Pagudpud, Bangui, Dumalneg, and Burgos was under TCWS number 2.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in public and private schools on Wednesday due to ST Goring. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)