By: Charles Nikko Limon

Several schools and homes in Cagayan and Isabela were hit by flooding due to continuous rains brought by a low-pressure area (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, despite it not developing into a full-fledged storm.

In Alcala, Cagayan, classrooms at Afusing National High School were inundated by floodwaters following heavy rainfall on July 2.

By the next day, more schools in the region experienced the same.

On Calayan Island, Caniwalan Elementary School saw its classrooms flooded on July 3, as persistent rain poured throughout the day.

The island’s residents also endured strong winds and gloomy skies.

In Buguey town, Paddaya Elementary School was likewise affected by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, in Baggao, students joined forces to remove stagnant water from their classrooms, showing resilience amid the inclement weather.

Strong winds also swept through Solana, causing trees to sway violently, while Lasam town recorded heavy downpours as well.

The Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed that while no significant damages have been reported so far, precautionary measures are in place.

Cagayan has already been placed under blue alert status.

“Our rescue groups are now on standby,” said Rueli Rapsing, Chief of the PDRRMO. “If we elevate the alert level to red, they’ll be deployed immediately. Preparations are also in place for land and water rescue assets.”

Rapsing also noted that the Cagayan River’s water level is being closely monitored.

“If heavy rains fall in other parts of the region like Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, or Isabela, that water will flow straight to us, that could cause the river to swell,” he explained.

Classes were suspended on July 3 in the towns of Aparri, Camalaniugan, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, and Santo Niño as a safety measure for students.