Risk of river floods, coastal erosion force 103 families to flee in CamNorte

LEGAZPI CITY — At least 103 families in three towns of Camarines Norte were evacuated as of 1 p.m. Friday due to risks of coastal erosion and river flooding as Typhoon “Ompong” (international name: Mangkhut) threatened the Cagayan-Isabela area, bringing heavy rains to most of Luzon.

Antonio España, Camarines Norte provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, said the number was expected to rise because evacuations were still ongoing as late as 3 p.m. Friday.

Daet is a low-lying town, making it prone to floods, while Vinzons and Mercedes are prone to coastal erosion, España told the Inquirer.

Coastal erosion, he said, is common in Barangay 7 of Mercedes every time there is a typhoon.

España, however, said disaster officials were still unable to determine the exact number of residents who were pre-emptively evacuated to village halls and elementary schools that have been transformed into evacuation centers.