SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Relief operations have begun across the province of La Union to support families and individuals affected by severe tropical storm Kristine.
As of the 5 p.m. situation report on October 24, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has distributed 1,058 food and non-food items worth P210,000 to affected families in San Fernando City, Bangar, and Luna.
Each food pack contains six kilos of rice, eight canned goods, and six sachets of coffee, while non-food items include laundry detergent, bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, hygiene pads, and towels.
John Martin, information officer of the Provincial Information Office (PIO), shared in a virtual presser hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 1 earlier today that the provincial government has also deployed two roving teams to assess the storm’s impact across the province.
“There are two teams mobilized by the PDRRMO conducting roving operations in the first and second districts of La Union to monitor the situation and distribute family food packs to beneficiaries,” Martin said.
The report also indicates that 467 families, or 1,398 individuals, are currently housed in 29 evacuation centers located in Aringay, Bangar, Balaoan, Burgos, Caba, Luna, Rosario, and San Fernando City.
Knee-to-ankle-deep flooding has been reported in Santo Tomas, particularly in the barangays of Baybay, Cabaruan, Balaoac, Narvacan, and Raois, beginning on October 22.
Additionally, 38 barangays experienced power interruptions in San Fernando City and the municipalities of Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, and Bangar.
A fisherman from Brgy. Poro, San Fernando City, has been reported missing since 10 a.m. on October 22.
The local government has coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct search and rescue operations.
The fisherman was last reported traveling toward Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Additionally, 11 houses were reported damaged, pending verification.
Of these, eight were partially damaged in Balaoan, one in Luna, and two were completely destroyed in Rosario.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David assured residents that the provincial government will continue to provide timely assistance to those in need.
She commended the efforts of frontliners in ensuring the safety and security of the province’s residents.
“Rest assured that the entire PDRRMO is ready to provide help and assistance to the best of our ability. We are deeply grateful to and salute our barangay frontliners for their tireless support of our fellow province mates,” Ortega-David said.
Felix Villanueva, barangay councilor of Brgy. San Jose Norte, Agoo, La Union shared that his team has been on 24/7 duty to monitor the effects of the storm in their area.
“We have been closely monitoring the water levels here as moderate to heavy rains continue. No flooding has been recorded so far, and we hope it stays that way,” Villanueva said.
According to DOST-PAGASA’s 5 p.m. bulletin on October 24, severe tropical storm Kristine was last estimated, based on all available data, over the coastal waters of Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur. (AMB/CCMT/PIA La Union)
