Almost 500 families flee homes in Isabela coastal town
BAGUIO CITY — At least 491 families (1,766 individuals) in Isabela coastal town, Palanan, fled to safety as severe tropical storm “Trami,” locally known as Kristine, brought strong rains and strong winds.
According to the Palanan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 491 families are from nine barangays of the town. Some evacuees took refuge at government-designated evacuation centers and temporary shelters in churches and some in barangay halls.
In Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, some 51 families or 182 individuals from nine barangays also fled their homes.
Tuguegarao City Disaster Risk and Management Office personnel have been readying relief packs for evacuees and other flood-affected villagers.
While government troopers from the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion have been alerted to be on standby to assist residents of two flood-prone barangays in Tayum and Bangued towns in Abra.
In Tabuk City, Kalinga, 172 families (504 individuals) sought refuge in various evacuation centers. In Asipulo town in Ifugao, nine families (26 individuals) are now in the evacuation centers. — Artemio A. Dumlao
