768 families in Pangasinan, La Union evacuate; fisher missing

PRE-EMPTIVE EVACUATION Personnel of the provincial government of Pangasinan evacuate several residents from high-risk areas on Wednesday night (Oct. 23, 2024) as a precaution against the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami). A total of 528 families have been evacuated in the province. (Photo courtesy of Province of Pangasinan)

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – About 768 families in Pangasinan and La Union have been evacuated since Wednesday night amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

About 528 families, or 1,783 individuals, in Pangasinan and 240 families, or 738 individuals, in La Union have been evacuated as a preemptive measure, according to the two provinces’ Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMO).

A 5 a.m. situational report of Pangasinan PDRRMO chief Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro said the evacuees in the province were from the cities of Alaminos and Dagupan and the municipalities of Agno, Anda, Bani, Binmaley, Bolinao, Lingayen, San Fabian, Labrador, Manaoag and Sual.

The evacuees were provided with family food packs and hygiene kits, he said.

A storm surge in Lingayen Beach has caused flooding in the bay walk area and some parts of the capitol grounds, while a house in Bani was damaged due to strong winds brought by the tropical storm.

Classes in all levels were suspended Thursday by Governor Ramon Guico III before the Luzon-wide suspension by Malacañang.

In an interview on Wednesday, Pangsinan PDRRMO operations and training head Vincent Chu said 15 rescue teams composed of six members from the PDRRMO, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police, were ready for deployment, along with water assets, ambulances and other equipment.

Meanwhile, La Union’s PDRRMO said they are searching for fisher Albert Beato from San Fernando City, who was reported missing after he went fishing on the coast of Bolinao town, Pangasinan on Tuesday.

In a phone interview, Cabradilla Bonifacio Jr., the owner of the boat Beato used, said the latter was supposed to be back that same day along with the other fishermen.

The PDRRMO also reported knee-high floods in Barangay Cabaruan in Santo Tomas town due to a storm surge and high tide; ankle-high floods in Barangay Balaoac; and ankle- to knee-high floods in Barangay Narvacan.

About 32 villages in the City of San Fernando and the municipalities of Bacnotan and Aringay experienced power outages.

Both provinces have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3, based on the 8 a.m. bulletin of the weather bureau. (PNA)