Manila: The province of Ilocos Sur sustained an estimated PHP17 million worth of initial infrastructure damage from Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said Monday. The damaged infrastructure includes a slope protection of a day care center in Barangay Lubang in Cervantes town, a farm-to-market road, a hospital facility, and flood control projects, as reported by provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer Rhon Arquelada in a media interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, at least nine houses were also reported as partially damaged. About 2,115 families or 6,718 individuals who were affected by the storm were given family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in partnership with the local government units. The Provincial Health Office, likewise, provided medical services and medicines.
Despite Crising's exit, the weather bureau on Monday advised local disaster risk reduction and management councils to take appropriate actions as flashfloods and landslides are possible due to heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, particularly in lower Abra, Silay-Sta. Maria, Buaya, and Amburayan. To address flooding in Barangay Fuerte, Caoayan town, heavy equipment has dug a waterway from the river leading to the West Philippine Sea for floodwaters to recede more quickly.
