2 dead, 8 hurt as heavy rain batters Cordillera

Landslides and flash floods have disrupted travel and forced evacuations across northern Luzon as relentless rains from the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, continue to batter the region. On Sunday, August 9, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 3rd District Engineering Office in Cagayan reported that roads were closed and bridges collapsed due to landslides in the Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera region. In particular, Itawes Bridge 1 in Maguiling, Piat, and Itawes Bridge 2 in the same area were among the structures impacted, causing major disruptions to transportation networks. The heavy rains have also led to severe flooding in several municipalities, prompting large-scale evacuations. In Bacoor City, Cavite, over 3,000 residents were evacuated as water levels rose in low-lying areas. Rescue efforts by the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) continued throughout the day, working alongside local volunteers and emergency services. Similarly, in Castillejos, Zambales, seven families totaling 23 individuals were evacuated from Barangay Balaybay due to landslides triggered by the ongoing deluge. Local officials emphasized that these evacuations were precautionary measures aimed at preventing potential loss of life. Meanwhile, in Tabaco City, Albay, some families who had been displaced during the recent volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano remain in evacuation centers. Although residents were permitted to return home on Thursday following a decrease in volcanic activity, certain families opted to stay in shelters so their children could attend nearby schools. Ana Mae Borlasa, a resident of Barangay Magapo, noted that while her family could technically return home, the closure of the local school within the 6-kilometer danger zone made it impractical. Her children now attend temporary learning spaces near the Hiraya Manawari Evacuation Center in Barangay San Vicente. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recently reduced Mayon’s alert level from 3 to 2, indicating a general decline in volcanic activity. However, local officials remain cautious, noting that the province is still under a state of calamity. Albay Governor Noel Rosal stated that preparations for permanent resettlement sites are underway, particularly for residents in Malilipot Town and Tabaco City. Officials have also requested additional support, including planting materials and financial aid, to help families rebuild their lives. In the Cordillera region, the impact of the heavy rains has been equally devastating. At least two fatalities and eight injuries were reported as landslides and flooding forced hundreds of residents from their homes. The Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-CAR) cited data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its afternoon report, noting that 20 road sections remained impassable due to landslides, washed-out roads, and swollen rivers. These included critical routes in Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. In Benguet alone, nine road sections were blocked, with landslides reported along the Kilometer 49 stretch in Paoay, Atok. Emergency responders deployed 75 personnel to assist with evacuations, road clearances, and monitoring activities, while 1,074 members of the Regional Standby Support Force were mobilized for broader disaster response efforts. One search-and-rescue operation resulted in the recovery of one body and the safe extraction of another individual. As of noon on Sunday, 51 families, approximately 201 people, were housed in eight evacuation centers, though numbers varied slightly depending on the reporting agency. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera (DSWD-CAR) initially recorded 43 families or 142 people in nine centers, with an additional 105 families temporarily staying with relatives or friends. Authorities warn that the situation may worsen as PAGASA forecasts further rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters in Benguet, increasing the risk of additional flooding and landslides. Despite the challenges, no barangays were reported as completely inaccessible, though ongoing monitoring of vulnerable areas remains crucial. Residents are urged to follow the latest advisories from PAGAS, local governments, and disaster response agencies before engaging in travel or outdoor activities. For urgent matters, the public can contact the unified 911 emergency hotline.