Aurora: Bad weather brought by Tropical Depression Mirasol halted classes and caused flooding and a landslide which resulted in a temporary road closure, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PDRRMC noted that light to moderate rains are affecting the central and southern parts of the province, while the northern municipalities of Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan are experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall. In Casiguran town, where Mirasol made landfall, a rain-induced landslide occurred near Pasaruboi Bridge in Barangay Cozo, prompting authorities to close the area for clearing operations. No casualties have been reported.
Several barangays in Casiguran, including Marikit, Calangcuasan, Culat, Calabgan, and Calantas, have reported flooding with water levels between 0.5 to 2 feet. The floodwaters rendered several road sections impassable to light vehicles, particularly in Casiguran and Dilasag, where overflowing creeks are causing significant travel disruptions, the PDRRMC stated in a bulletin.
In response to the cyclone, the PDRRMC mentioned that the province has raised its alert status to BLUE under the Alpha Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) system. Governor Reynante Tolentino has issued a memorandum directing all municipalities to be on heightened alert.
Classes were suspended at all levels in Baler, San Luis, Maria Aurora, and Casiguran, which were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1. Both classes and work were suspended in Dilasag, while only pre-school and kindergarten classes were suspended in Dipaculao and Dinalungan.
As a preventive measure, the Philippine Coast Guard has suspended all sea travel for motorboats and fishing boats in the area. The PDRRMC also reported power interruptions in Casiguran and Dilasag that began at 3 a.m. In the fishing sector, 15 fishing boats in Dilasag were damaged, with an estimated loss of PHP75,000.
Municipal DRRMOs in Casiguran and Dilasag have activated their 24/7 emergency operations centers, organized search and rescue teams, and prepared evacuation centers. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has placed heavy equipment on standby for clearing operations, and prepositioned resources like food packs and rescue equipment are ready for deployment.
