Families evacuated as creek overflows in Ilocos Norte

Two families were evacuated as the creak overflowed and caused flooding in Barangay 2 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, GMA Regional TV News correspondent Ivy Hernando reported Wednesday on "24 Oras."

Meanwhile, a house was partly buried by the landslide in Barangay Ba-rit, Laoag City amid the downpour.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) said no one was injured in the landslide.

The residents have helped clear the soil around the house.

According to the 4:30 p.m. data of the Ilocos Norte DRRMO, at least 130 families or 450 individuals were evacuated. Some have stayed at evacuation centers while others are at their relatives’ houses.

The heavy rain was caused by the Habagat enhanced by Super Typhoon Carina, according to PAGASA.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Sur DRRMO is on alert as the rainfall over upland municipalities and the Cordillera region may cause major river systems to overflow and cause flooding in the first district of the province.

In Caoayan town, barangay officials are monitoring 50 households situated at the border of the river after the water level rose.

“May Habagat na naman kaya nagigiba na ang proteksyon namin. Inaanod na ang lupa,” Caoayan Barangay Chairman Alber Quilenderino Sr. said.

(There is a Habagat again. That is why our protection is falling apart. The soil is being swept away.)

According to some residents, the water level near a raft along the coastline was as high as two people. The said raft is just a few steps away from the houses.

Despite the risk of being affected by rising floodwaters, residents chose to stay as they had no one to guard their belongings.

Creeks such as the Sta. Lucia Creek are already overflowing.

According to the Ilocus Sur DRRMO, some roads and spillways were impassable due to the flood.

They are also monitoring three major river systems in the province, that are currently still at a normal level.

“Pag red na, delikado na para dito sa mga low lying areas natin kasi possible na magkaroon na ng malawakang flooding lalo dito sa Metro Vigan,” said Rond Arquelada, Ilocos Sur DRRM officer.)

(If it is red, it means that it is dangerous to low-lying areas because it is possible to have widespread flooding especially here in Metro Vigan.)

At least 88 families in 11 towns of Ilocos Sur underwent pre-emptive evacuation. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News