TUGUEGARAO CITY — Tropical Depression Crising threatens over 33,000 families across Cagayan Valley as it brings heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for possible displacement and disruptions in the coming days.
During a regional disaster briefing, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cagayan Valley projected that Cagayan province will be the hardest hit. About 477,256 people, or 31,651 families, may need assistance, requiring approximately 127,108 food packs. Neighboring provinces Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya are also bracing for impact, with thousands of families expected to be displaced and needing aid.
Heightened Alert for Landslides and Floods
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau reported that 693 barangays in Cagayan, 191 in Isabela, and 17 in Nueva Vizcaya face risks of landslides ranging from moderate to very high. Local officials have raised their alert levels to ensure swift responses.
Agnes de Leon, director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the region, instructed local governments to implement safety protocols immediately. These include clearing roads, suspending mining and tourism activities, and enforcing travel restrictions for small boats in vulnerable coastal areas.
Storm Surge and Coastal Risks
At least 19 coastal towns in Cagayan and Isabela face storm surge threats, with sea levels expected to rise between one to two meters. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) highlighted towns like Aparri, Santa Ana, Calayan in Cagayan, and Palanan, Maconacon in Isabela as most vulnerable.
Residents living in low-lying coastal zones were urged to evacuate to higher grounds and avoid marine activities. In Calayan town, disaster officials are readying supplies on nearby islets and finalizing contingency plans to protect residents.
Travel Disruptions and Class Suspensions
The Bicol region is already feeling the effects of Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon. Heavy rains forced cancellations of classes across several provinces and disrupted air and sea travel.
The Civil Aviation Authority reported that six flights at airports in Masbate City, Naga City, and Virac (Catanduanes) were canceled due to poor weather. More than 500 passengers were affected on routes including Masbate-Clark, Naga-Manila, and Virac-Manila.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel in Sorsogon, banning all vessels under three gross tonnage and putting larger ships on alert for rough seas. Local governments suspended classes in Catanduanes, Masbate, and various towns in Albay and Camarines Sur as a precaution.
Current Conditions and Warnings
As of the latest bulletin, Crising was located northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, moving west-northwest with sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h. Moderate to heavy rains continue to affect several provinces, prompting local governments to activate red alert statuses for immediate response.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over northern Luzon and Bicol, covering at least 18 provinces. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge all residents to stay vigilant and follow official advisories.
For more news and updates on Tropical Depression Crising, visit Filipinokami.com.
