MORE NEWS, IFUGAO

‘Emong’ leaves 11 dead, 3 injured in Ifugao town
By Glo Abaeo Tuazon and Julie Fianza

KIANGAN, Ifugao – Twelve persons were killed while three were seriously hurt when mudslide buried their houses at sitios Dumanayan and Domang here at the poblacion the height of Typhoon Emong Thursday.

Supt. Jimmy A. Catanes, regional chief of the Traffic Management Group identified the casualties from Domang as Olivia A. Guay, 42; Mercy A. Guay, 10; Isco A. Guay, 9; Rosita T. Tinol, 26 and Baby Boy T. Tinol, 6 days old. Three houses were damaged by mudslide.

In Dumanayan, one house was also reported buried in the mudslide. Listed as dead were Ayra Grace G. Daang, 15; Marie Fe G. Daang, 13; Vency Mae G. Daang, 10 and Samuel G. Daang, 23.

Injured were Valentine G. Daang, 47; Daisy G. Daang 46 and Cheche M. Daang, 27 who was pregnant. Those who perished are brothers and sisters.

Kiangan had been prone to accidents during natural calamities. Every now and then, loose soil gave way to mudslides during typhoons.

The continuous downpour loosened unstable areas where houses were constructed.
This, as Clifton Valencerina of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Mountain Province said the Bontoc-Nueva Vizcaya road would be closed for at least three days due to landslides brought about by Emong particularly along Lamut town.

In Baguio City, stranded bikers, minor landslides, sparks from electric posts and fallen branches from trees were among concerns of the City Disaster Coordinating Council as Emong struck the city Thursday afternoon.

No major damages or untoward incidents were reported in the city as Emong left late Thursday night.

Earlier, Acting Mayor Daniel Farinas issued an administrative order for concerned offices to prevent untoward incidents for Emong and typhoons expected to hit the city.

“The city government through its departments should undertake precautionary measures to ensure public safety, and coordinate with offices rendering public utilities, so that basic services like electricity and water, are not cut during the typhoon season,” Frinas said.

Administrative order 85, directed the City Environment Management Office, City Parks Management Office, City Engineering Office, City Building and Architecture Office and the CDCC to take precautionary measures

The CEMO was ordered to attend to the Irisan dumpsite and implement safety measure for its environs and residents during heavy rains.

The CPMO was also ordered to trim activities of trees whenever branches extend over roads to avoid accidents.

Clearing of road drainages and manholes to avoid clogging and flooding of roads, was delegated to the CEO, including coordination with the Baguio Water District on diggings.
Existing signs installed within the Central Business District, and other areas should be inspected by personnel of the CBAO, to avoid untoward incidents the AO further stated.

The CDCC was also given authority to coordinate with the Benguet Electric Cooperative and other utility companies concerning their lines that might pose danger during typhoons.

No major damages or deaths were reported in other Cordillera provinces as a result of Emong.