Heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon continue to threaten the dike along the Amburayan River in Sudipen, La Union, raising concerns among residents living nearby.

Since Tuesday, September 3, the persistent rains caused by the southwest monsoon have worsened the condition of the Amburayan River dike.

According to local authorities, cracks in the dike were first noticed in 2023 following a series of typhoons.

The damage worsened after Typhoon Carina in July 2024, and now, continuous rains have caused more sections of the dike to collapse.

Around 300 meters of the structure have been affected, impacting the barangays of Ilocano, Old Central, and Ipet.

"Sinasabihan na natin mga residente doon kasi kung malakas ang ulan upstream, didiretso ang tubig dito," Jose Dingayan, administrator of the Sudipen local government, said.

Residents near the dike are worried about the worsening situation.

"Diyan lang ang ilog sa tabi namin," Jayson Gaburno, a resident, said.

The local government has already raised the issue with the national government, and site inspections have been conducted.

However, they are still waiting for funds to begin repairs.

"Nakikiusap ang LGU (local government unit) na mapabilis ang pondo kasi talagang lalaki na ang pinsala kung uulan pa lalo," Dingayan said.

In the meantime, barangay officials have been advised to monitor their areas closely for signs of further damage or danger.