RESCUE OPERATIONS. Authorities and volunteers rescue residents of Luna town in La Union province on Tuesday (Oct. 12, 2021). Severe Tropical Storm Maring caused flooding in several towns of the province. (Photo courtesy of La Union Police Provincial Office)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Some 1,275 individuals or 336 families were evacuated from their homes due to flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Maring on Tuesday.
In a situational report issued by the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1), the families were from the towns of Bagulin, Bauang, San Juan, Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, Burgos, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo, Sudipen, and Tubao; all in La Union province.
In a phone interview, Bryan Joves, operation head of the La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said flooding in these areas has reached more than six to seven feet but it has already subsided in some areas.
“Floodwaters from Benguet province along with the high tide caused severe flooding,” he said.
He added highland areas, such as Naguilian, Burgos, and Bagulin, have experienced landslides.
Joves said these areas were already cleared with the help of the national government agencies, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, while rescue operations were conducted with the local Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Office of the Civil Defense, and other national government agencies and volunteers.
PRO-1 said seven persons were reported missing but the PDRRMO is still confirming the reports.
“We are currently verifying and consolidating reports since the rescue operations started last night,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III suspended classes in public and private schools as well as work in government agencies, except those providing emergency, health, and relief services from noon on October 12 until October 13.
In Executive Order No. 119 issued on Tuesday, Ortega said the reports on flooded areas, landslides, and other road obstructions have affected road networks and resulted in power outages in most areas.
“There is a need to suspend work in government offices or agencies in the province to ensure the safety of the public employees coming from different areas of the province and for them to attend to their families' needs,” he said.
He added operations of establishments shall be at the discretion of their respective owners. (PNA)
