SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A total of 15,732 individuals or 5,358 families from 123 barangays were displaced and one fisherman missing is due to the onslaught of severe tropical storm “Kristine” in this province.
LA Union Gov. Rafy Ortega-David (right) distributes relief goods to evacuees. (PGLU FB)
The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported as of 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, that 844 families or 2,437 individuals are from Luna, Bangar, City of San Fernando, Balaoan, Rosario, Burgos, Aringay, and Caba. They are staying in 40 evacuation centers.
The town of Santo Tomas reported knee-deep flood in the coastal barangays of Baybay, Raois, Cabaruan, Balaoac, and Narvacan.
One-hundred sixty-seven houses were damaged in Balaoan, Luna, San Juan, Bacnotan, Bauang, Agoo, Naguilian, Bangar, and Rosario due to the strong winds and fallen trees.
Search and rescue operations are underway for the 30-year-old fisherman from Barangay Poro here who went missing on Tuesday morning while fishing in the sea of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
La Union Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David said the provincial government has set out intensified efforts to safeguard communities from Kristine.
She cancelled classes on all levels and work in government offices in the province on Friday.
David urged the postponement of key events such as the La Union Surfing Break to ensure the safety of tourists and service providers.
She distributed relief packs to affected residents in Luna, Bangar, and San Fernando City.
The provincial government has provided P239,960 worth of food packs and non-food items to evacuees.
David urged the people to remain vigilant on Kristine.
“I encourage our residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities for everyone’s safety. Rest assured that the provincial government is conducting continuous monitoring throughout the province to assess the situation and provide necessary recommendations. Our emergency vehicles are on standby, including the province’s 911 emergency hotline, to respond promptly if needed,” she added.
A maritime dredging vessel, MV Xaxieri, with 13 crew ran aground on the shoreline of Barangay Buenlag, Binmaley, Pangasinan on Thursday due to Kristine.