This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Local officials say the storm has impacted more than 7,300 families in Cagayan, over half of whom have evacuated their homes
PAMPANGA, Philippines – One person has died, and two others remain missing in Cagayan in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Nika, Governor Manuel Mamba confirmed on Tuesday, November 12.
The two missing are Romnick Gavino, 18, of Barangay Baccuit, and Francis Mariano, 42, of Barangay Dugayong, both in Amulung town.
Gavino was swept away by strong currents while gathering wood along the Cagayan River. Mariano was evacuating livestock when floodwaters rose.
The fatality was identified as 38-year-old private electrician Joseph James Cadauan, who was electrocuted in Sta. Ana town. Cadauan was helping to restore power when he accidentally touched a live wire. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Electric cooperative CAGELCO II issued an advisory following the electrocution incident, urging residents to avoid tampering with power lines, poles, and other facilities as they continue efforts to restore electricity supply in the affected towns.
Based on the latest update from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 24,297 individuals from 7,367 families have been affected in 138 barangays across 22 towns.
The number of evacuees has reached 3,800 families, or a total of 12,067 individuals.
Flooding in the province has affected 11 localities, namely Ballesteros, Lal-lo, Solana, Aparri, Baggao, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Camalaniugan, Lasam, Alcala, and Tuao.
At least 12 barangay roads, five municipal roads, and two farm-to-market roads remain impassable, while 25 bridges across nine towns are still inaccessible.
Mamba said flooding remains their biggest challenge, with the Cagayan River still swelling.
As of 9 pm, the water level at Buntun Bridge has reached the critical level of 11.3 meters.
“Back then it (Buntun Bridge water level) reached 13.2. So almost 80% of Tuguegarao was under water already at that time. Well, it’s especially saturated now because of our series of typhoons. And then Ofel is still coming. So we are waiting for that,” Mamba said.
Mamba said they have requested assistance from the national government, as over 29,000 houses have been partially damaged, though exact figures are still being verified and confirmed.
He also expressed concern over storms Ofel and Pepito, which may worsen conditions.
“Our crops, there’s nothing left to be destroyed, they’ve already been ruined. The major concern now is the damage to schools, particularly the two-story buildings, which we hope can be restored soon,” he said. – Rappler.com
