MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The province of La Union has incurred about P1.4-million in damage to agriculture  from tropical cyclone ‘’Crising’’ (international name ‘’Wipha’’), based on the initial assessment of the La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

PDRRMO officer-in-charge David Ken Salamanca said about 281.8 hectares of land planted with rice were affected in the towns of Bacnotan, Bangar, and Agoo.

A total of 2,506 families or 8,471 individuals were affected by the weather disturbance, with about 240 families or 920 individuals evacuated, although most of them have returned to their residences.

Flooding, minor landslides, and fallen trees have been recorded in various parts of the province.

A house in Bangar was totally damaged while eight in Bacnotan, Balaoan, San Juan, Aringay, and Bauang, and San Fernando City were partially damaged.

The province has been on red alert status since July 18.

All rescue vehicles and assets were used for mobilization, including one ambulance, three high lift off-road vehicles, one utility vehicle, one transport vehicle, one boom truck, one rescue truck, one jetski, and three rubber boats.

Relief packs were distributed to affected residents.

Gov. Mario Ortega advised residents to be on alert, monitor weather bulletins, and coordinate with authorities to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, due to the anticipated continuous heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon, face-to-face classes on all levels and work in government offices in La Union on Wednesday, July 23, were suspended.

Offices that offer essential services such as health, disaster preparedness, and response will remain operational.

Suspension of work in private companies was encouraged and left at the discretion of office heads.