Several barangays in La Union province were submerged under floodwaters while two key road networks in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were closed due to landslides as tropical storm “Igme” continues to intensify as it remains almost stationary in Northern Luzon areas.
Reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that six barangays in the municipalities of Naguilian, bacnotan and Burgos, all in La Union province, were reported flooded as of 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Benito Ramos said that a total of 79 families composed of 266 individuals were affected by the flooding.
The Kabayan-Buguias-Abatan Road in Benguet and the Abra-Kalinga Road in Kalinga were closed to traffic after landslides hit the areas.
Ramos also said that eight major roads in Region I and CAR were damaged.
The NDRRMC official also warned people living along major dams in Northern Luzon to remain alert as the water reservoirs continue to release excess water.
“All residents living in the areas near the Ambuklao, Binga and San Roque are advised to be alert for possible increase in the water level downstream,” said Ramos.
As of 6 a.m. yesterday, the NDRRMC reported that Ambuklao Dam has one gate opened; Binga Dam has two gates opened and San Roque one gate opened.
“The NDRRMC-Operation Center is on red alert status in view of the tropical storm ‘Igme,’” said Ramos.
The storm is expected to be at 360 kilometers east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan today.