2 dead, 1,200 families hit in Cagayan floods

By Charlie Lagasca

TUGUEGARAO CITY– Flashfloods spawned by torrential rains left two villagers dead and at least 1,200 families affected last week in the Cagayan Valley particularly in Isabela, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

Authorities identified the casualties as Eugenio Abista, 25, and Daniel Binsay, 13, both of Barangay Yeban Norte in Benito Soliven, Isabela.

The flashfloods affected eight municipalities, including the capital town of Ilagan where at least 30 barangays were inundated.
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Several areas in Cagayan province were submerged in floodwaters after a main river in Northern Luzon overflowed due to non-stop heavy rains.

A radio report said that according to Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio, nearly 10 towns in Cagayan province went under very deep floods after the Cagayan River overflowed.

A forecaster from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that several areas in the northern part of Luzon are experiencing heavy rains due to the northeast monsoon.

"Usually, during this time of the year, the northern side of the country, particularly the eastern part of Luzon experiences the northeast monsoon. It is also being aggravated by winds coming from the east," the forecaster said in a radio interview.

The weather forecaster said that Casiguran area experienced very heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, measuring at 194 millimeters, followed by Tuguegarao City.

He said that Cagayan residents should watch out for flashfloods and landslides.