The representatives of Conner’s local government wasted no time visiting the Office of Civil Defense in Cordillera to gather supplies for the risks posed by Super Typhoon Ofel and approaching Typhoon Pepito.
“The rain is reportedly getting stronger again, so Conner is under Signal 2 as we gather supplies for the people of Conner,” said Florida Pattung, Municipal Staff at LGU Conner.
So far, 900 families, or over 3,000 individuals from 22 barangays, have evacuated in Conner.
This poses a major challenge, as they have not yet fully recovered from the effects of previous Typhoons Marce and Nika.
“Landslides and flooding, mostly landslides and erosion, are challenges. As of now, we’re readying supplies at the OCD,” Pattung assured.
The provincial government of Apayao declared a state of calamity under Provincial Resolution No. 239 Series of 2024.
The red alert status remains in the Cordillera region, as water levels from rain continue to saturate the soil, with potential worsening from Typhoon Ofel.
“Flooding and landslides are the main challenges, which are worsened by gusty winds. Our evacuation centers are ready, and we are implementing all possible measures,” said Frankie Cortez, Chief of the Operations Section at OCD-CAR.
As of November 14, the agency reported that 18,526 families, or 64,405 individuals from 192 barangays, were affected by Typhoons Nika and Marce.
The hardest-hit province is Apayao, with 14,679 affected families or more than 50,000 individuals, followed by Abra with 3,810 affected families or 13,262 individuals.
“Preemptive evacuations must continue as there are still dangers to those in their respective residences,” Cortez added.
So far, the agency has provided 7.3 million pesos in aid to the 64,405 affected individuals impacted by Typhoons Marce and Nika.
**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
