Heavy Rains from SW Monsoon Affect Over 32,000 People

Prolonged heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) have affected 32,360 individuals or 10,131 families across 17 local government units as disaster response operations continue, the PIA said.

The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) recorded 212 affected barangays in its latest situation report. To assist impacted residents, the provincial government distributed 2,900 family food packs and provided P915,578.44 in direct humanitarian aid. A total of 57 families remain displaced, with 50 families staying inside evacuation centers and seven families residing in temporary shelters outside official facilities.

Monsoon rains also damaged homes, public structures, and farmland across multiple municipalities:

• P12.91 million in crop damages and P205,950 in lost livestock.
• P3.4 million in destroyed infrastructure, bringing total initial losses to P16.52 million.
• 21 damaged homes, including totally destroyed structures in Bauang and Naguilian, and partially damaged homes in San Fernando City, San Juan, Agoo, Bauang, Caba, Naguilian, and Santo Tomas.

Transportation was also impacted by rising waters. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) La Union First District Engineering Office reported that floodwaters reached up to 25 centimeters deep along the Manila North Road in Barangay Ili Sur, San Juan, leaving the section passable only to heavy vehicles.

Weather monitoring by DOST-PAGASA indicates that heavy rainfall between 100 to 200 millimeters will persist through August 11, before gradually decreasing to 50 to 100 millimeters on August 12.

The provincial government said, “Flooding is expected in high-risk areas, such as urbanized and low-lying areas and communities near rivers.” PGLU urged communities in low-lying areas and near riverbanks to remain alert and monitor official updates.

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SOURCE: PIA