Six overflow bridges in Isabela province are now impassable due to river flooding caused by the continuous rains from Typhoon Kristine.
These bridges include the Gucab and Annafunan Overflow Bridges in Echague, Alicaocao Overflow Bridge in Cauayan City, Baculud and Cabisera 8 Overflow Bridges in Ilagan City, and the Cabagan-Santa Maria Overflow Bridge.
According to Atty. Constante Foronda, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of Isabela, while there has been river overflow, the water level in the Cagayan River is rising gradually.
Several residents in the coastal towns of Divilacan, Palanan, and Dinapigue have been evacuated due to the threat of storm surges.
Foronda mentioned that the evacuees’ homes were made of light materials and were located near the coast, prompting the preemptive evacuation to safer areas.
In Divilacan, 61 families or 216 individuals were evacuated, while in Palanan, 16 families or 60 individuals sought refuge.
Aside from coastal towns, evacuations have also occurred in Gamu, with 12 families or 40 individuals evacuated; Cabatuan, with 4 families or 16 individuals; Echague, with 1 family or 4 individuals; and Jones, with 2 families or 6 individuals.
These evacuees are residents of low-lying areas or those near rivers.
The public is urged to monitor weather updates to determine the necessary preparations.