Authorities on red alert as flood-hit Cagayan braces for Ramon

Days after rains brought by Typhoon Quiel caused floods in the province, Cagayan is preparing for another yet another cyclone —Tropical Storm Ramon.

According to Jun Veneracion's report in "24 Oras", officials involved in the relief efforts are continuously repacking relief items not only for those affected by the flood but also for those who may be affected oncoming storm.

"Natural sa amin 'to sa Cagayan, which is dinadaanan ng bagyo. Pinaghahandaan namin," Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Head retired Colonel Atanacio Macalan said.

Rescue teams of the provincial government have been placed on red alert.

Meanwhile, 16 areas in the province are said to be located in low-lying areas prone to flooding and landslides.

"Kapag ma-assess namin ang situation, hindi pwede nga doon sila titira and then meron kaming forced evacuation," Macalan said.

The whole province was placed under a state of calamity due to flooding caused by Quiel Last Friday. According to the Cagayan Governor, the province is a "catch basin" which catches all the water from Region II.

Raquel Malana, a resident near Cagayan river, lost her home in 2016 due to Typhoon Lawin.

"Yung bahay namin, talagang totally blown po siya nung nakaraang lawin po. Kaya parang pag nakarinig na kami ng bagyo, parang natatakot na kami, sir," Malana said.

According to Malana, the bad experience had taught her a lesson. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News