HARDEST HIT. The approach of the Masi Bridge in Adams, Ilocos Norte is damaged by Typhoon Neneng on Monday (Oct. 17, 2022). Neneng has so far left over PHP177.6 million worth of damage in the province. (Contributed Photo)
LAOAG CITY – Typhoon Neneng has so far left over PHP177.6 million worth of damage in Ilocos Norte, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said Monday.
The PDRRMC said infrastructure suffered the biggest damage at PHP95.3 million.
The towns of Adams, Pagudpud, and Vintar were among the hardest hit, with roads in Barangays Pancian and Balaoi in Pagudpud still impassable, and the bridges in Adams and Vintar sustaining damaged approaches.
In a text message to Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, Adams Mayor Rosalia Dupagen said residents of their town had to walk about 10 kilometers from the Poblacion to Pancian, Pagudpud just to get a mobile phone signal.
“Adams is currently isolated and as per the mayor’s request, we have sent a payloader to help in the road clearing operations,” Manotoc said at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
In Pagudpud, personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan are conducting road clearing operations on both sides of the national highway.
Due to a severe landslide at the height of Neneng, a standby heavy equipment used in road clearing fell into the beach when a half lane of the road collapsed on Sunday.
While there was no confirmed death, one person remained missing in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
Manotoc said the province will be needing more trained personnel and equipment in the search and rescue operations.
“We are still lacking equipment and personnel. I hope that we have air assets within our reach and a backup during search and rescue operations,” he said, referring to a lost rubber boat of the provincial search and rescue team when it drifted away with raging floodwaters.
For the safety of the public, he reminded the people to always listen to authorities and evacuate immediately if threatened.
“We can never be over-prepared [during calamities]. Simple things can really help,” he said as he urged typhoon victims to get in touch with them via the provincial hotline or 911. (PNA)
