Over 185,000 Affected in Northern Philippines by Low Pressure and Monsoon Rains

The Ilocos Region has been affected by the combined effects of Tropical Depression Luis, Tropical Storm Maymay, and the enhanced southwest monsoon, impacting at least 185,512 villagers (52,037 families), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Sunday. Pangasinan bore the brunt, with 154,702 people or 42,443 families affected in 144 barangays. In La Union, 28,918 people or 8,972 families in 205 barangays were affected, while 1,892 people or 622 families in 84 barangays were affected in Ilocos Sur. A total of 365 people from 128 families have been displaced, including 150 people staying in 12 evacuation centers and another 215 who sought shelter outside evacuation centers. Pangasinan recorded the most evacuees inside evacuation centers with 111 people, while La Union had the most displaced residents outside evacuation centers at 188. At least P3.1 million worth of assistance has been extended to provinces in the region, said Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Group, while “monitoring and coordination with affected local governments are continuing.” She added that Lingayen and Dagupan City in Pangasinan have requested additional relief support for families affected by the disasters. Flooding continued to hit several communities, including Baccuit Sur in Bauang, La Union, where water remained below knee-deep due to persistent rain and inadequate drainage. Flooding was also reported in parts of Sta. Lucia, Santa and Tagudin in Ilocos Sur and several barangays in Dagupan City, Calasiao and Lingayen in Pangasinan. Meanwhile, 3,098 individuals or 958 families in the Cordillera Administrative Region were also affected by recent storms and monsoon rains. The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council continues to monitor the situation as heavy rains and strong winds persist across several areas of the region. Based on the DSWD-Cordillera’s monitoring as of noon on Aug. 9, 43 families have sought shelter in evacuation centers, while 107 families have temporarily stayed with relatives or friends. The severe weather also damaged 28 houses, including three that were totally destroyed and 25 that sustained partial damage. The DSWD said it continues to provide assistance to affected families in coordination with local government units and other partners. More than P500,000 worth of humanitarian assistance has so far been distributed to families affected by the weather disturbances, with authorities continuing to assess needs and monitor developments across the region. — Artemio A. Dumlao