Ilocos Norte declared under state of calamity

LAOAG CITY—Ilocos Norte officials on Sunday declared the province under a state of calamity after strong winds and heavy rain accompanying Typhoon “Odette” destroyed more than P22 million worth of crops, roads, bridges and dikes.

At least two persons were killed, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

In Batanes province, Odette destroyed a number of government buildings, including the district offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), according to reports reaching the DPWH main office in Manila.

“We’re still awaiting the final damage assessment report from our personnel in Batanes. The delay is apparently due to communication problems,” Elizabeth Pilorin, chief of the DPWH public information division, told the Inquirer on Monday.

On Sunday, Mario Lozano, 55, of Barangay (village) Subec in Pagudpud town went out to fish but rescuers later found him dead near his house, the PDRRMC said.

The other fatality, Russel Batoon, 37, a lineman of Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative Inc., stepped on a live wire and was electrocuted while repairing a line in Barangay Pasaleng, also in Pagudpud.

Floods were reported in the towns of Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Paoay, Bangui, Piddig and Bacarra.

Aside from road clearing operations, DPWH-Batanes personnel “are assisting their counterparts in other government agencies in restoring the water supply, as well as engaging in relief work,” Pilorin said.—With a report from Jerry E. Esplanada in Manila