LAOAG CITY — Heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon left three deaths and around PHP282 million worth of damages, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported Monday.
Based on its latest situation report, the PDRRMC said the biggest damage was recorded for infrastructure, particularly on unfinished construction of national roads and bridges including flood control projects at PHP226.7 million.
Floodwaters submerged rice fields and other high value crops in some areas of the province due to torrential rains over the past days, reaching damage of more than PHP3.5 million in crops, PHP1.5 million in fisheries and around PHP779,000 in livestock.
The PDRRMC also reported that 12 houses were partially damaged in the low-lying villages of Carusipan in Pasuquin, Cabulalaan in Bacarra, Ablan, Baoa East and Rayuray in Batac and Adams.
Two others were completely destroyed in Caruan, Pasuquin and Adams.
Three persons were also reported dead — one in Badoc due to hypothermia, one in Nueva Era due to landslides and one in San Nicolas due to drowning.
The Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the province under state of calamity on Saturday afternoon.
Since Sunday, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos led the inspection of damages and distribution of relief goods to the 7,518 affected families or 32,285 persons in the entire province.
“We know well the condition of erratic weather. As you can see, even PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) is dizzy (hilo) about it. So, we will consult with you (farmers) how can the government help you,” Marcos said during the inspection of Habagat damages and relief distribution. PNA-northboundasia.com