Though Typhoon Nika weakened as it crossed the mountains of Cordillera, it still left various provinces in the region heavily affected.
In Tabuk City, Kalinga, strong winds knocked down trees and damaged several houses, tearing off roofs, some houses were also flooded.
Water from Mountain Province surged into the Chico River in Kalinga.
In Barangay Bulanao, the road was closed due to landslides.
Residents and authorities worked together to clear landslides on Abra-Kalinga Road in the town of Balbalan.
The Amdalao-Malucsad-Magsilay-Limo-od Road in Pasil is also impassable due to landslides.
The Tanudan-Barlig Road in Tanudan is likewise closed due to landslides.
In Mt. Province, rocks and fallen trees blocked the Baguio-Bontoc Road in Sabangan, but it was quickly reopened to traffic.
Large rocks also fell onto the Baguio-Bontoc Road in Bontoc.
Residents in low-lying areas were advised to evacuate due to rising water levels in the Chico River.
Clearing operations by the PNP and LGU were conducted overnight to clear landslides heading to the town of Mayoyao, Ifugao.
Clearing operations on the Banaue-Alfonso Lista Road in Aguinaldo were challenging.
The LGU is coordinating with the DPWH to expedite clearing, and as of noon, November 12, one lane is now passable.
Evacuees are packed in Barocboc Elementary School in Sta. Marcela, Apayao.
Water levels in the Apayao-Abulug River remain high, worsened by Typhoon Nika after the recent Typhoon Marce.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Cordillera, more than 3,500 families have been affected by Typhoon Nika’s destruction in the region.
Of these, 489 families are staying in evacuation centers, with 9 national roads and 17 road networks still impassable.
According to the OCD, Typhoon Nika barely passed through the Sierra Madre mountains, which could have helped weaken the typhoon.
According to Frankie Cortez, LPT, Spokesperson at OCD Cordillera, “We observed weakening around 2 or 3 PM yesterday when it made contact with land. The typhoon barely grazed Sierra Madre.”
With Typhoon Nika now out of the country, the OCD and DSWD are preparing for the expected onslaught of Typhoon Ofel.
“We have distributed 6,000 family food packs in 2 batches. The Office of Civil Defense also provided various non-food items like sleeping kits, shelter repair kits, and other essentials to supplement local resources,” said Cortez.
“We’ve provided immediate assistance, especially with family food packs, as food is our primary concern, along with clean water,” Maria Catbagan-Aplaten, Regional Director at DSWD Cordillera, added.
Aside from the impact of Nika, the DSWD is also focused on the 4,000 residents of Apayao who have not yet recovered from Typhoon Marce.
The DSWD has delivered 8,700 family food packs to the province, though power remains out in several towns.
By: Charles Nikko Limon
