LAOAG CITY — A seawall and a river dike in Ilocos Norte collapsed due to heavy rains and strong waves brought about by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, early Tuesday morning, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
The seawall protecting residents of Caruan village in Pasuguin town collapsed due to high and strong winds, forcing seven families to evacuate to the Caruan Elementary School, PDRRMO reported.
In Vintar town, a river dike also collapsed due to raging waters in sitio Baldi, Parparuroc village, the local DRRDMO said.
The local government of Pasuguin distributed packs of goodies to evacuees at the Caruan Elementary School.
According to Michael Pe Benito of the Provincial Resiliency Office, a team immediately proceeded to the evacuation center following a report from Caruan officials that the seawall had collapsed.
At press time, maintenance crew from the Department of Public Work and Highways remain on full alert status to ensure that all roads in the province are passable.
“Our heavy equipment were already prepositioned in areas prone to landslides and so far, all roads remain passable,” said Engineer Nestor Pasion of the Ilocos Norte First Engineering District.
With the continuous rainfall, residents are reminded to stay vigilant while the local disaster risk reduction and management councils in the 21 towns and 2 cities of the province are advised to take precautionary measures. PNA-northboundasia.com