Ilocos Norte under state of calamity due to floods

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy downpour spawned by the southwest monsoon caused floods and landslides in Ilocos Norte, prompting local officials to declare the whole province under a state of calamity over the weekend.

As of Saturday afternoon, more than 14,000 residents were affected and the cost of infrastructure and agriculture damage is estimated at P112 million.

Classes and work in government offices were suspended at noon Friday. Many roads in the province were also closed due to floods.

Eight barangays in Paoay are flooded. These are Salbang, San Agustin, Paratong, Cayubog, Surgui, Nalasin, San Roque and San Juan.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have launched initial relief operations in the towns of Paoay, Pasuquin and Burgos. 

Poultry worker, fisherman died

A poultry farm caretaker was buried alive by landslide during the height of monsoon rains in Barangay Bugayong, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte on Saturday. 

Police said rescue workers retrieved the body of Emmanuel Ubibi, 57, of Barangay Valbuena, Pinili town.

Reports said Ubibi was tending the farm when the incident occurred around 5 p.m. Saturday.

A fisherman also died. Ernesto Manzano, 71, of Gabut Sur in Badoc town died of hypotermia while fishing on Friday despite heavy rains.

Heavy rains prevail

Many areas in Northern Luzon will continue to experience heavy rains today, National Heroes Day, due to the southwest monsoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said scattered moderate to heavy rains would be experienced over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Mountain Province, Apayao, Batanes and the Babuyan Islands.

PAGASA warned residents of these areas, especially those living near river channels, in low-lying areas and in mountainous areas, against flooding and landslides.

Sea travel also remained risky over the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon due to strong winds associated with the southwest monsoon.

PAGASA said no weather system was enhancing the southwest monsoon as of yesterday. – Helen Flores, Jun Elias, Raymund Catindig