Tropical Depression Luis affects over 6,300 families in Bicol, other regions

A total of 6,316 families have been affected by the effects of Tropical Depression Luis, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Monday. In its latest situational report released at 6 a.m., the OCD said the affected families were reported in Bicol, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The agency has not recorded any deaths, injuries, or missing persons related to the weather disturbance. Seven areas were flooded in Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM. Meanwhile, maritime operations were disrupted as nine sea trips were canceled in Calabarzon and Bicol, according to the OCD. The canceled trips affected 477 passengers, 47 rolling cargoes, and left five vessels stranded. No evacuation centers have been reported in the latest update, while there were also no recorded figures yet on families and persons staying inside evacuation centers. The agency likewise has yet to report any damage to houses. In terms of assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far provided P280,500 worth of aid to affected residents in Bicol. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over parts of Luzon as Tropical Depression Luis slightly weakened while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Isabela, PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. bulletin Monday. Areas under TCWS No. 1 are: the central and eastern portions of Cagayan, the eastern and southern portions of Apayao, the eastern portion of Kalinga, the eastern portion of Mountain Province, the eastern portion of Ifugao, the northern portion of Aurora, Isabela, and Quirino. Rains brought by Luis triggered landslides and prompted class suspensions in parts of Northern Luzon on Monday. Landslides According to a report on GTV's Balitanghali, landslides were reported along several roads in the municipality of Dipaculao, Aurora due to continuous rainfall. In Barangay Dinadiawan, only one lane remained passable after a utility pole toppled onto the road. Authorities also monitored a slight rise in the water level at a spillway in Barangay Dianed, but no major flooding was reported. Meanwhile, classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, were suspended in the municipality of Dingalan, Aurora as a precaution against the effects of the storm. In Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, intermittent rains were experienced throughout the night. Local farmers welcomed the rainfall as it would benefit their rice planting activities. In Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) prepositioned heavy equipment to allow for a faster response to possible emergencies, including flooding, landslides, and road obstructions caused by the storm. —KG/RSJ, GMA News