Photo credit: Cagayan PDRRMO

As Super Typhoon Nando unleashes its full force on Northern Luzon, communities and government agencies are working tirelessly to mitigate its impact. From proactive road inspections to swift evacuation efforts, a concerted response is underway to protect lives and property.

Proactive Measures on Kennon Road

In Baguio City, Mayor Benjamin Magalong demonstrated a hands-on approach to disaster preparedness. As a special investigator for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, he personally inspected Kennon Road, a critical artery often prone to landslides. Joined by consultants, the mayor assessed slope protection measures along the stretch near Camp 6. This proactive inspection aims to ensure the road's stability and prevent potential hazards, prioritizing the safety of motorists before the full brunt of the storm is felt.

Landslides and Obstructions

The typhoon's heavy rains have triggered landslides, most notably in Tuba, Benguet. At Brgy. Cabuyao Road, a landslide covered both lanes, but a rapid response team from PFVP Sto. Tomas, led by PEMS Edwin P. Matias, along with local residents, immediately began road-clearing operations. Their swift action made the road one-way passable, and fortunately, no one was harmed. In Ilocos Sur, a concrete wall at the plaza in Brgy. Banbanaba, Santa Lucia, collapsed due to rushing mountain water. While no injuries or damage to homes were reported, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has advised residents to stay clear of the area, citing the risk of further collapse.

Evacuations and Flood Warnings

The threat of flooding has prompted mass evacuations in several areas. In Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, the Coast Guard, in coordination with other agencies, conducted a successful pre-emptive evacuation in Barangays Borono and Libtong. A total of 28 families, or 68 individuals, were safely moved to a regional evacuation center.
In Bontoc, the Chico River's water level has risen to a critical red line, prompting the activation of a flood warning device. The Bontoc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office has mandated forced evacuations for residents in flood-prone, riverside areas and has warned people to stay away from the river.

The Typhoon's Raw Power

Super Typhoon Nando’s intensity is causing widespread power and communication disruptions. In Laoag City, police, alongside barangay officials, are conducting continuous road-clearing operations to remove debris and other hazards, ensuring roads remain safe for motorists and emergency responders. Further north in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, residents are experiencing fierce winds, heavy rains, and power outages with intermittent internet connections, underscoring the powerful and disruptive nature of the storm as it approaches the Babuyan Islands. The threat of a storm surge is also high, with residents in low-lying areas of Brgy. Balatubat, Camiguin Island, being advised to evacuate immediately.