In La Union, Over 800 Families Evacuate Due to #KristinePH; Strong Winds Cause Storm Surge in Coastal Barangays

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has set out intensified efforts to safeguard communities as tropical storm #KristinePH brought strong winds in the province beginning Wednesday, October 23. 

As of 8 AM, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that 5, 358 families or 15, 732 individuals were affected by inclement weather or flooding in 123 barangays in the province.

Of the affected families, a total of 844 families or 2,437 individuals from the towns of Luna, Bangar, City of San Fernando, Balaoan, Rosario, Burgos, Aringay and Caba have evacuated to 40 evacuation centers.

The town of Santo Tomas reported a knee level flooding in the coastal barangays of Baybay, Raois, Cabaruan, Balaoac and Narvacan. The typhoon damaged 167 houses in the towns of Balaoan, Luna, San Juan, Bacnotan, Bauang, Agoo, Naguilian, Bangar and Rosario due to the strong winds and fallen trees.

Search and rescue operations are underway for a fisher from Brgy. Poro, City of San Fernando, La Union who went missing Tuesday morning. The 30-year-old man reportedly went to fish off the coast near Bolinao, Pangasinan together with his fellow fisherfolk at around 3 a.m. on October 22 but he has not returned home since. 

La Union Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David has already announced the cancellation of classes in all levels and work in government offices across the province for Friday, October 25. The Provincial Government has also postponed key events, such as the La Union Surfing Break, to ensure safety of tourists and service providers.

Gov. Rafy personally led the distribution of relief packs to affected residents in Luna, Bangar, and San Fernando City, demonstrating the provincial government’s commitment to swift assistance for communities in need. 668 food packs were also distributed to the municipalities of Aringay, Caba and some parts of the City of San Fernando. PGLU has already provided P239, 960 worth of food packs and non-food items to the evacuees.

"During calamities, we work round the clock to ensure the safety of our affected constituents. I personally visited our evacuees in their respective evacuation centers to check their situation and conditions and to provide their needs. We have already extended relief packs to our evacuees,” Gov. Ortega-David shared.

To keep the public well-informed, the PGLU through the Provincial Information Office is actively disseminating information through the official Provincial Government of La Union page, and conducting media interviews. These efforts aim to provide timely announcements and warnings to the public.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Provincial General Services Office led relief operations, distributing essential supplies to affected areas. 

The Provincial Health Office is also on the ground, providing medical and health assistance to evacuees in designated shelters. Meanwhile, the Provincial Engineering Office has prepared its equipment to conduct clearing operations as necessary.

“I encourage our residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities for everyone’s safety. Rest assured that the Provincial Government is conducting continuous monitoring throughout the province to assess the situation and provide necessary recommendations. Our emergency vehicles are on standby, including the province’s 911 emergency hotline, to respond promptly if needed,” Gov. Ortega-David added.