Coastal resorts in Pagudpud virtually empty as Ompong approaches

Beach resorts in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte are unusually empty following a local government directive ordering establishment owners to stop housing guests as Typhoon Ompong threatens to bear down on northern Luzon. Photo: Jun Veneracion

Pagudpud, ILOCOS NORTE — It’s not the usual sight in this popular tourist destination up north.

Hotels and resorts along the scenic shores of Pagudpud are now practically empty, after local officials ordered hotel owners to refrain from billeting guests as Typhoon Ompong threatens to hit parts of northern Luzon.

“Sabi ni mayor kailangan lahat ng resorts wala ng guests. Pati mga staff namin we will move them inland,” said Lee Kuan, federated president of the Hotel and Resorts Association in Pagudpud.

The local government directive covers at least 30 hotels and resorts in this famous vacation area, known for its white sand beaches, surf spots, and beautiful sunsets.

“Off-peak namin ngayon so 'yun ang good side of it. Pero kung tumama siya during the peak season malaki talaga ang effect niya sa amin,” said Kuan.

Some 200 people living dangerously close to the seafronts have been moved to safer areas as part of an ongoing preemptive evacuation.

Pagudpud Mayor Marlon Sales raised the possibility of enforcing forced evacuation in coastal villages if the situation turns perilously bad.

"Kung kailangan pong arestuhin,  aarestuhin na po ang mga [iyan]," he said. "Mas mabuti na po sa carcel sila matulog kesa maapektuhan sila this coming typhoon."

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number One has been hoisted over several provinces in Luzon and Visayas, including Ilocos Norte, as Ompong continues its west-northwest path. According to state weather bureau PAGASA in its 5 p.m. forecast on Thursday, "occasional rains and gusty winds" will be experienced in these areas within the next 36 hours.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the storm was 575 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.  — BM, GMA News