As Typhoon Marce approaches Northern Luzon, its strength is gradually being felt.
The strong winds are already noticeable in the town of Santa Ana, Cagayan.
The classrooms at Licerio Antiporda Sr. National High School in Buguey town have had their roofs torn off by the strong winds.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has also ordered the forced evacuation of residents living near the coast and flood-prone areas.
According to Ruelli Rapsing, Chief of PDRRMO – Cagayan, “The rain band of Typhoon Marce is bringing moderate to heavy rain in the northern portion, while Central to Southern portions are experiencing light to moderate rains. We are now at Charlie Emergency Response Protocol, so it’s no longer pre-emptive; the LGUs are enforcing forced evacuation.”
Evacuation centers in Sanchez Mira are ready for the incoming evacuees, and the town government has also delivered food packs to residents.
The town of Alcala is also prepared for the influx of evacuees.
In the island town of Calayan, some fishermen have already secured their boats.
In Basco, Batanes, the strong winds from the typhoon are already being felt.
The sky remained overcast throughout the day.
Soldiers in the province have also joined in distributing relief goods.
The typhoon is expected to be felt more intensely as its eye moves closer to Cagayan Valley by tomorrow, November 7.
**CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
