VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — The Ilocos Sur provincial government ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in flood-, landslide-, and coastal-hazard prone areas as heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, or 'hHabagat', battered the province over the weekend.
Classes in public and private schools and work in government offices were also suspended Monday, Aug. 10, under Executive Order No. 25.
The order requires local government units (LGUs) to maintain 24/7 emergency operations centers and conduct mandatory evacuations in high-risk communities.
(The provincial government of Ilocos Sur facebook page)
As of 1 p.m. Sunday, 72 families or 220 individuals from Vigan City and the towns of Narvacan, Santiago, and Santo Domingo had evacuated to designated centers.
The Provincial Diaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said the enhanced habagat had affected 190 families or 569 individuals in 27 barangays as of Sunday morning.
Including the effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Dolphin, and Maymay, a total of 661 families or 1,976 individuals in 92 barangays have been affected.
Flooding, landslides, and overflowing rivers were reported in several areas. Two fishermen were also rescued after encountering trouble in San Esteban.
Authorities reported 106 partially damaged houses, with losses reaching P3.03 million in agriculture, P225,670 in livestock, and P87.73 million in infrastructure.
Local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)have provided evacuees with food packs, hot meals, and other essential supplies.
Authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and immediately comply with evacuation orders as heavy rains continue.