Ilocos Norte island folk evacuated

LAOAG CITY — As many as a hundred families in Pasuquin town were evacuated on Sunday from the island sitio of Bungro in Pragata village as rain and strong winds howled through Ilocos Norte.

Bungro was often isolated following storms or a heavy downpour so its inhabitants were fetched by a rescue team and brought to the Pasuquin Central School and the municipal hall, said Pasuquin Mayor Ferdinand Aguinaldo.

Ten families living near the coast of Davila village in Pasuquin were also evacuated to safer ground at 10 p.m. on Saturday. Typhoon “Gorio” exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday, but Tropical Storm “Huaning” entered on the same day.

Adelfo Aguinaldo, Davila village chief, said people left for fear of possible storm surges. He said several fishing boats in Sitio Nagabongan stationed near the shore were damaged by strong waves. —Lelanie Adriano