STATE OF CALAMITY. The Ilocos Norte board declares on Wednesday (July 26, 2023) the province of Ilocos Norte under the state of calamity. The declaration grants the provincial government to use, reprogram or realign funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged properties and infrastructure caused by Typhoon Egay. (Photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday afternoon due to severe flooding and strong winds brought about by Typhoon Egay.
In a special session at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, members of the Ilocos Norte board presided by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos unanimously approved Resolution No. 2023-07-173 declaring a state of calamity in the province.
During the passage of the resolution, provincial board member Dante Franklin Respicio said "there are hundreds of millions of pesos worth of damages to agriculture, infrastructure, and other properties, including a number of residents who were rendered homeless due to the typhoon. Hence, the need to declare a state of calamity in order for the provincial government to use, reprogram or realign funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged properties and infrastructure.”
Based on an initial report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), a total of 203 families composed of 668 individuals from the landslide and flood-prone areas of Bangui, Badoc, Bacarra, Pagudpud, Banna, Adams, Solsona, Piddig, Burgos, and Paoay, and the cities of Batac and Laoag were preemptively evacuated to the nearest evacuation center due to the continuing threat of the typhoon.
Seven workers from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur who were stranded from work were also rescued and they were brought to the Bangui evacuation center.
As of this posting, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and the PDRRM team are making rounds in various evacuation centers in Pagudpud and Bangui to ensure there have food packs and other essentials like blankets, towels, and slippers.
A power blackout hit the towns of Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud and Adams due to a pilling crane that was toppled at the Baldi bridge in Pasuquin town and led to the crash of the 69-kilovolt power transmission line.
The Northwind Corporation, along with the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Busilac builders and the local governments of Pasuquin and Ilocos Norte have joined forces for the ongoing restoration effort.
Meanwhile, at least 18 generator sets from public and private entities have been activated to provide free charging stations to the public as well as for use at evacuation centers and hospitals.
Since Tuesday, strong winds with light to moderate scattered rainfall are being experienced in most parts of the province, prompting Gov. Manotoc to announce the cancelation of classes at all levels as well as work in government offices except those involved in emergency response. (PNA)
