Two Families Receive Aid After Sea Surge Destroys Homes in Ilocos Sur

Two families in Barangay Pantoc, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, received immediate assistance from the provincial government after their homes were washed away by a sea surge on Thursday, September 3. The affected homeowners were provided with hot meals and house-repair materials during an on-site assessment conducted by the provincial government. The incident occurred amid unsettled weather in Ilocos Sur, where the southwest monsoon, or habagat, has brought periods of heavy rains and strong winds in recent days. Several parts of the province were also hit by tornadoes or tornado-like winds on August 31 and September 1. Strong winds also damaged five beach cottages in Barangay Sulvec, also in Narvacan, while similar weather disturbances were reported in Cabugao, Sinait, San Ildefonso, and other areas of the province. At least 60 houses across Ilocos Sur were reported damaged or destroyed by strong winds. Governor Jerry Singson led the relief operation and visited the affected families to assess their needs and provide assistance. He was joined by Narvacan Mayor Edna Cabalo Sanidad, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rhon Arquelada, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Engineer Leonard Pascua, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Kathleen Balbuena. —Kenneth P. Tabin / Contributor