Ilocos norte: A total of 677 families composed of 1,257 individuals in Ilocos Norte were affected by Super Typhoon Nando, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Tuesday. Of the total number, 419 families or 589 individuals are temporarily housed in evacuation centers, mostly in Pagudpud, Nueva Era, Bangui, and Bacarra, the PDRRMO said in its latest report. The strong winds and heavy rains brought by Nando have resulted in three totally damaged and 14 partially damaged houses in Marcos, Adams, and Currimao towns, it added. Estimated agricultural damage across the province so far is pegged at PHP2.6 million. The amount is expected to increase as most local government units (LGUs) have yet to submit their reports due to poor communication signals and power interruptions.
According to Philippines News Agency, provincial disaster response officer Marcel Tabije said no casualty was reported so far in the province. As of Tuesday morning, power restoration is ongoing as most parts of the province still have no electricity. The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative reported that the Northwind 69KV line tripped off on Monday, causing a power interruption in Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, Adams, Dumalneg, Pasuquin, and portions of Bacarra. Power interruptions were also reported in other parts of the province due to electric posts that were toppled or damaged by strong winds and uprooted trees.
To assist the evacuees, the Department of Social Welfare and Development office here, as well as local government units, has started distributing food packs and family hygiene kits. Additional relief goods, including 2,000 five-kilo packs of well-milled rice, were delivered in front of the Ilocos Norte Capitol on Tuesday to be distributed to typhoon victims.
In a press conference at her office, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said more relief goods will soon be delivered to affected families. “It’s our first time to experience Typhoon Signal No. 4, and I’m glad everybody is safe,” she said. “If you were affected by the typhoon, please let us know what you need. There are mechanisms from the different local government units where you can go and report damage,” Marcos added. Ahead of Nando’s landfall on Monday, Marcos ordered the suspension of classes and work in the public sector in the province, and urged residents in flood-prone and coastal areas to evacuate for their safety.
