'Carina' triggers landslides, river-swelling in Ilocos Norte

LANDSLIDE CLEARING -- A worker from the Municipal Engineering Office clears a landslide that blocked a portion of Pallas Road in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, on July 14. Due to heavy rainfall brought about by Tropical Depression Carina, the Bislak River in the town also swelled. --Vintar Balay Ti Ili photo

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY – Heavy rainfall brought about by Tropical Depression Carina triggered landslides and swelling of river in parts of Ilocos Norte on Monday but these were subsiding at press time.

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte through its official Facebook page on Tuesday, advised all types of vehicles not to pass through the Ilocos Norte-Cagayan border to avoid risk of being stranded.

Maintenance crew and the heavy equipment of the Department of Public Works and Highways were assigned in various parts of the province due to more possible landslides and flooding.

In Vintar town, Mayor Larissa Foronda said the Bislak River swelled, prompting all motorists going to and from the north of the river to take an alternate route.

On Monday, a landslide was reported in Pagudpud town.

Earlier on Tuesday morning, landslides also occurred along portions of the road going to Pallas Valley in Vintar town.

The Municipal Engineering office has already deployed reinforcement for the road clearing and the road to Pallas is now open.

To anticipate more possible adverse effects of Carina, Marcel Tabije, local disaster risk reduction and management officer, also advised the City Veterinary Offices, Municipal Agriculture Offices, Barangay Agriculture and Fishery coordinators, Barangay Animal Health workers and non-government organizations to take precautions to avoid further damage and threats to animals and livestock.

“Please coordinate with your local chief executive and barangay officials in identifying designated ‘animal shelters,” he said.

Tabije urged farmer and livestock raisers to keep their animals on safe and high grounds and ensure that they have adequate supply of water and food during bad weather.

Residents were discouraged from going out to rescue their animals at the height of a typhoon's lashing.

“Let’s work together for a safe and resilient province so let us all remain alert and vigilant,” Tabije said. (PNA)