Kristine-triggered storm surge displaces over 500 families in Pangasinan

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine

Sections of the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol Compound are flooded due to a storm surge triggered by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami) on Thursday, Oct. 24. (Photo by Yolanda Sotelo)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A two-to-three-meter-high storm surge generated by Severe Typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami) flooded several coastal towns along the Lingayen Gulf in this province and prompted the evacuation of more than 500 families.

According to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Bolinao town had the highest number of evacuees with 130 families, followed by Sual with 114, and Dagupan City with 97 families as of Thursday, Oct. 24.

Evacuations were also carried out in the towns of Agno, Anda, Bani, Labrador, and San Fabian, moving residents to safer, higher ground.

The PDRRMO report indicated that a total of 1,806 individuals are currently sheltered in evacuation centers.

READ: Kristine keeps strength over Northern Luzon; 7 areas under Signal No. 3

Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino noted that while Kristine did not bring significant rainfall to the province, its strong winds caused the storm surge that affected coastal communities.

However, he noted that natural grasses along some beaches, particularly in Binmaley, may have helped reduce the impact of the surge in certain areas.

“We want to consult with environmental experts to explore development strategies near the Capitol that could mitigate the effects of future storm surges,” Lambino said.

In Binmaley, the MV Xavier tanker ran aground near the bay walk on Wednesday night due to strong winds, according to a Facebook post by Mayor Pedro Merrera.

The vessel was en route to Sual when it was forced aground, though the nature of its cargo is still unknown.

Lambino added that major rivers in Pangasinan are currently at below-normal or normal water levels, further easing concerns of flooding due to the storm. INQ