The Pinacanauan overflow bridge in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan is closed to motorists on Friday (Dec. 27, 2024) as the river swells due to continuous rains. Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que issued Executive Order No. 79 raising the city’s alert status in anticipation of possible flooding and landslide. (Photo courtesy of the Tuguegarao City Information Office)
TUGUEGARAO CITY—Disaster response officials in Cagayan province have been checking flood-prone areas as the northeast monsoon, or amihan continues to bring heavy rainfall to this part of northern Luzon.
Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que issued Executive Order No. 79 to raise the city’s alert status in anticipation of possible flooding and landslides. She said all barangay (village) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and the Emergency Operations Centers are now on red alert due to the rising water level at the Buntun Bridge monitoring post.
“Manatili tayong kalmado at magdasal sa Panginoon (Let’s remain calm and pray to God),” Que said over Facebook.
Emergency response units and assets are on standby for deployment.
Water-related activities such as washing, bathing, and others on the swelling Pinacanauan River have been prohibited.
As of noon, the Buntun Bridge’s water level was 6.6 meters, above the 4-meter alert level.
Meanwhile, the Pinacanauan overflow bridge was also closed to motorists on Friday.
Motorists are advised to take an alternate route while the bridge remains impassable.
Carlo Ablan, flood operations manager of Magat Dam, said one spillway gate was opened at noon in anticipation of the heavy inflow due to monsoon rains. (PNA)