‘Emong’ Leaves Initial P163.6-M Damage to Agri, Infra in La Union

La union: Typhoon Emong has caused initial damage worth over PHP163 million in La Union, according to the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) report on Sunday. In its 2 p.m. report, RDANA said Emong has left PHP60.7 million in agricultural damage, PHP86,900 in livestock losses, and PHP102.8 million in infrastructure.

According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 14,131 families or 49,154 individuals across 173 barangays have been affected. At least 335 houses were partially damaged and 25 were totally destroyed. While most floodwaters have receded, parts of Rimos in Luna town remain submerged.

The towns of Sudipen, Bangar, Balaoan, Luna, Bacnotan, San Gabriel, and San Juan are still experiencing municipal-wide power outages, while 90 percent of Bauang town and San Fernando City still have no power. "Communication lines are slow to none in San Fernando City and nine other adjacent towns. Hence, we are experiencing intermittent internet access," a staff of the Provincial Information Office said in an online message.

The province remains under red alert and has been placed under a state of calamity since July 26. Classes at all levels have been suspended for Monday (July 28), with colleges shifting to asynchronous learning. Suspension of work will be left at the discretion of local government units based on their assessment of their respective areas.

No casualties have been reported so far. Clearing operations, power restoration, and relief operations are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed over 10,000 family food packs, ready-to-eat food, and non-food items to the affected families as augmentation to the relief operations of the local government units.