OVER 19,000 families in more than 300 barangays in the country were displaced due to the effects of Typhoon Goring, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
In a situational report, the NDDRMC said that out of the total 63,565 persons or 19,370 families affected by the weather system in Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and Cordilleras, 14,856 persons of 4,049 were currently staying in evacuation centers.
It said nearly a million worth of relief goods were distributed to the affected families.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Goring" maintains its strength as it continues to approach the Luzon strait.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 is in effect in the northeast portion of Babuyan Islands while the provinces of Batanes, the rest of Babuyan Islands and the extreme northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan which includes the municipalities of Santa Ana and Gonzaga were placed under TCWS No. 2.
The weather bureau also hoisted TCWS No. 1 in the northern and eastern portions of mainland Cagayan (Camalaniugan, Pamplona, Santa Teresita, Baggao, Buguey, Claveria, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Allacapan, Lal-Lo, Lasam, Peñablanca, Iguig, Amulung, Gattaran, Alcala, Santo Niño), the eastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, Ilagan City, Tumauini, San Pablo, Cabagan, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan), the northern portion of Apayao (Flora, Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Santa Marcela), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Vintar, Pasuquin, Burgos, Dumalneg, Adams, Pagudpud, Bangui).
Pagasa warned of flooding and rain-induced landslides which are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible.
NDRRMC said 103 areas in the affected regions already experienced flooding while five rain-induced landslides were also recorded.
It said 12 road sections and 12 bridges in Ilocos, Cagayan, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and Cordilleras were not passable due to flooding and fallen debris.
It also said the seven municipalities in Calabarzon and Mimaropa were still experiencing power interruptions due to the effects of Goring.
A total of 145 passengers, 13 vessels and four motorbancas were stranded in Calabarzon as sea ventures were prohibited due to bad weather.
The Manila International Airport Authority also announced the cancellation of the following flights:
PAL Express (2P)
*2P 2905/2906 Manila-Antique-Manila
*2P 2932/2933 Manila-Basco-Manila
Cebu Pacific
*5J 504/505 Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila
CebGo (DG)
*DG 6177/6178 Manila-Masbate-Manila
The supposed to be opening of classes in the affected areas was also suspended due to bad weather.
The disaster bureau also reported that P41.175 million worth of infrastructures were damaged in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and Cordilleras due to Goring.
It said 15 houses were partially damaged in the affected areas while 13 were totally wrecked.
Pagasa said "Goring" is expected to be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
It is forecasted to pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Batanes between Wednesday morning and afternoon.(SunStar Philippines)