Authorities have issued a storm surge warning for coastal towns across Pangasinan due to Typhoon #NikaPH.
The areas include:
- Dagupan City
- Alaminos City
- Agno
- Anda
- Bani
- Binmaley
- Bolinao
- Burgos
- Dasol
- Infanta
- Labrador
- Lingayen
- San Fabian
- Sual
Waves could reach up to two meters, prompting residents to prepare for possible evacuations.
"Ito yung mga coastal municipalities na maaaring maapektuhan nitong storm surge na — according sa PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) — na posible na umabot ýung taas niya sa isa hanggang dalawang metro," Pia Flores, an officer at the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said.
The prolonged bad weather has already impacted local fishermen, many of whom have not ventured out to sea for over a month due to rough conditions.
"Sobra, mahigit isang buwan na kaming walang income kasi maalon at saka kahit na siguro tatahimik yung alon wala ring mahuling isda kasi sobrang lakas ng agos," Carlito Arenas, a fisherman, said.
Some residents, like Vicky Coloma, prepared for the typhoon’s effects, gathering essentials in case they need to evacuate.
"Masakit sa amin siyempre… mahina ang pasada, sobrang taas pa ng krudo, tapos sobrang traffic pa sa bayan," Coloma said.
PAGASA has also issued a gale warning for Pangasinan, with strong waves expected to continue.
"Sa pag-alis ng Bagyong Nika, inaasahan naman bukas lalabas si Nika, papasok naman itong nabubuong bagyo magiging tropical depression na siya,” PAGASA Dagupan Chief Meteorological Officer Jose Estrada, Jr. said.
