QUEZON CITY — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Cagayan Valley has reported that Super Typhoon Leon has inflicted severe damage on the province of Batanes.
In an interview with PTV 4, OCD Region 2 Director Leon DG Rafael stated that Batanes was the hardest-hit area as the super typhoon exited the Philippine area of responsibility this morning.
“Fortunately, our kababayans here weren’t much affected. The mainland of Cagayan Valley has experienced fair weather, but our fellow citizens in the island province of Batanes bore the brunt of the typhoon.”
Director Rafael indicated that he has coordinated with Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco and provincial disaster officials to assess the extent of the destruction.
“There has been damage to houses and various crops, as well as landslides on major roads in Batanes,” he reported.
In a related broadcast of the PTV Special Report: #LeonPH yesterday, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno reassured citizens about the government’s disaster response efforts, stating, “Help is on the way, and this is a commitment from the government.” He emphasized that “our response clusters are ready to act, and our manpower is well-prepared.”
Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley is now experiencing fair weather in time for the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. “Minor flooding was reported in cemeteries, but the floods have subsided,” Rafael added, noting an influx of residents visiting memorial parks to pay their respects to departed loved ones.
Rafael emphasized that the OCD continues to monitor water levels in river systems for potential flooding or landslides resulting from the heavy rains brought by Leon and Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which impacted various regions across the country last week. “We are closely monitoring our river levels, including the Magat Dam, as we anticipate further rainfall.” (OCD)
