BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — The Cordillera Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) warns communities near the Abra River of the risk of flooding as typhoons loom over Northern Luzon.
CRDRRM Chief of Operations Frankie Cortez reported possible scenarios along the Abra River based on the 12-hour rainfall forecast of the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).
During the CRDRRMC Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment Meeting on November 13, 2024, Cortez shared that the flood simulation shows that portions of Lagaya, San Juan, Dolores, Tayum, Bangued, Pidigan, and San Quintin are at high risk of flooding due to the swelling of the Abra River as typhoon Ofel will bring heavy to intense rains on Thursday (Nov.14) and moderate to heavy rains on Friday (November 15).
He also warned the nearby towns of La Paz, Danglas, Peñarrubia, and Lagangilang of possible flooding. Meanwhile, the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) cautioned that there are 174 barangays in Abra particularly in the municipalities of Bangued, Boliney, Bucay, Bucloc, Daguioman, Dolores, Lacub, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Luba, Malibcog, Manabo, Peñarrubia, Sallapadan, San Isidro, Tayum, Tineg, tuno, and Villaviciosa that are prone to flooding and landslides as rivers and mountains are already saturated with the continuous rains due to the recent weather disturbances.
CRDRRMC Chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera Director Albert Mogol urged local DRRM councils to be proactive in monitoring and implementing disaster prevention and mitigation measures to ensure the safety of everyone.
“Let us facilitate again pre-emptive evacuation as need arises. Let us continue to be on heightened alert,” he stressed. (JJPM, PIA-CAR, Abra)
