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LC preps for ‘Luis’. Members of the Laoag City Disaster and
Risk Reduction and Management Council prepare the rubber boats in case of
emergency during the height of typhoon “Luis” after typhoon signal no. 3 was
raised over the province on Sept. 14. Just days later, typhoon “Mario” slammed
the province and with the early preparation, the city’s disaster officials
quickly went into action. (Doms dela Cruz)
By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
Laoag
City—Owing to strong winds and heavy
rainfall brought about by typhoon “Luis” [international name Kalmaegi], a total
of P12.6 million estimated damages in agriculture was recorded in Ilocos Norte,
affecting mostly rice farmers who are about to harvest in the next two weeks.
Provincial Agriculturist
Norma Lagmay said most of the affected towns are from the northern towns
of the province mostly in Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Piddig with vast
areas of irrigated rice lands.
Records from the Provincial
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said, about 11 million
pesos worth of damages account for most of the typhoon damages, next to corn
and high value crops, including a minimal damage in fisheries and
infrastructure.
Compared to previous typhoons,
Lagmay said the province is lucky that typhoon “Luis” left Ilocos Norte with
minimal damages despite stern warnings and satellite imagery putting Ilocos
Norte as signal number 3. She said immediate rehabilitation efforts to affected
farmers are now underway.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has recommended the
purchase of at least 20 units generator sets and satellite phones to strengthen
local government units resiliency efforts during natural calamities.
While Ilocos Norte has
recorded zero casualty and minimal damage in agriculture and infrastructure, Ilocos
Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said a continuous drill on
resiliency will continue among identified vulnerable areas here.
“We remain on alert
level but it is no longer on red alert as we expect to experience effect of
southern moon soon and fall out of habagat.
Kailangan manmanan lang natin ang dagat
kung may storm surge although the likelihood of that is less and less,” Ms.
Marcos said.
“We are grateful that we got
away this time but it doesn’t mean na
lagi tayong maswerte so we keep preparing and praying,” she ended.
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