Even before landfall, the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine is already being felt like a nightmare by the people of Bicol.
After ravaging the Bicol Region, Typhoon Kristine is expected to make its way to Northern Luzon.
In the town of Dinapigue, where the typhoon is likely to make landfall, rough weather is already being felt.
In the town of Jones, the wind is making trees sway wildly.
The Annafunan Overflow Bridge in the town of Echague is impassable due to rising water levels, as are the Narra and Gucab Overflow Bridges because of heavy rains.
The CAB 8 and Bacolod Overflow Bridges in the city of Ilagan are also impassable.
In Cagayan province, 53 families from the towns of Lallo, Alcala, and Santa Praxedes have been evacuated early due to the potential destruction from the typhoon.
Meanwhile, fishermen in the town of Calayan have already moved their boats to higher ground.
Some roads are also impassable due to rising water levels.
In Ifugao province, the Galonogon-Ubao National Road in Aguinaldo town was closed due to landslides but has since reopened to traffic.
The Ifugao Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) is also ready for the potential effects of the typhoon.
“We have not felt the winds yet. The rain is intermittent, lasting for about 30 to 45 minutes, then stops,” said Arnold Bacnog, Head of the Ifugao PDRRMO.
In Ilocos Norte, a landslide occurred again in Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud due to the heavy rains.
However, the road was quickly reopened to traffic.
In La Union province, over 200 families in Barangay Mindoro, Bangar have been evacuated due to the threat of possible flooding.
Governor Rafy Ortega David led the distribution of food packs to the evacuated residents.
La Union is now on red alert status, as the typhoon is expected to exit Luzon through the province.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III has also placed the entire province of Pangasinan on alert for the typhoon’s onslaught.
Here, food and non-food items, as well as rescue equipment, have already been prepared for distribution.
**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
