Laoag City—Heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon left three persons dead and caused P282 million worth of damages, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Monday.
In its latest situation report, the PDRRMC said the biggest damage was recorded for infrastructure, particularly unfinished national roads and bridges including flood control projects at P226.7 million.
Floodwaters submerged rice fields and other high-value crops in some areas of the province due to torrential rains over the past days, reaching damage of more than P3.5 million in crops, P1.5 million in fisheries, and around P779,000 in livestock, the council added.
It also reported that two houses were completely destroyed in Barangay Caruan of Pasuquin and Adams.
Twelve houses were partially damaged in the low-lying villages of Carusipan in Pasuquin, Cabulalaan in Bacarra, Ablan, Baoa East and Rayuray in Batac and Adams, the agency added.
The persons reported dead were in Badoc, due to hypothermia; in Nueva Era, due to a landslide; and in San Nicolas, due to drowning.
The Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the province under a state of calamity on Saturday afternoon.
Since Sunday, Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos led the inspection of damages and distribution of relief goods to the 7,518 affected families or 32,285 persons in the entire province.
“We know well the condition of erratic weather. As you can see, even PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) is hilo (dizzy) about it. So, we will consult with you (farmers) how can the government help you,” Marcos said during the inspection of habagat damages and relief distribution.
Meanwhile, as the weather continues to improve in Laoag City, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office announced that its tourism facilities are now open.
However, Ianree Raquel, supervising tourism operations officer of the province, advised tourists to avoid beach destinations and other high-risk areas for swimming, hiking, and trekking, among others, as Ilocos Norte is still under a state of calamity. PNA
According to the weather bureau, occasional rains and thunderstorms will happen in spots for the next two days, hence visitors are advised to take extra precautionary measures.
Safe to visit as of Monday include tourist spots like the Kapurpurawan Rocks Formation in Burgos, Malacañang of the North in Paoay, Presidential Center in Batac and other Marcos Heritage Trail facilities, Arte Luna Gallery, Pagudpud beach park, sand dunes, and other government-owned tourism facilities.
For advisories and emergency response, Raquel said the Provincial Resiliency Office may be reached at (077) 770-4570 (landline) or (0999) 999-7707 (mobile).