17-07-2025
Cagayan residents brace as Crising nears landfall
Residents in Cagayan are preparing for the effects of Tropical Depression Crising as it is expected to make landfall in the province should it follow its forecasted direction.
According to James Agustin's Thursday report on '24 Oras,' the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is now on red alert status as of 5 p.m. Thursday, which enforces a forced evacuation of coastal municipalities.
A total of 15 coastal municipalities are being monitored, including Barangay Aggugaddan in Peñablanca, where residents like Olive Mondejar are putting stones and pieces of wood on the roof of their house to prevent them from being blown away by expected strong winds.
As part of precautions, boats used to take tourists along the Pinacanauan River to go to the Callao Caves were taken out of the water while cottages were dismantled.
'Sa ngayon po ang epekto kapag masama ang panahon medyo mahina-hina ang takbo ng turismo dito sa amin kaya ang mga kasamahan ko medyo naghahanap hanap ng ibang trabahon,' said Amado Domingo, Callao Boat Association president.
(When the weather is bad, tourism here tends to slow down, so my colleagues are looking for other jobs," said Samado Domingo.
Earlier today, tourists like Janice Espiritu and her coworkers took advantage of the fair weather and proceeded with their vacation trip to the river.
Authorities are closely monitoring the river, which was at a normal level, so tourists were still allowed to be travel.
Equipment for search and rescue operations such as rubber boats, life vests, and life rings, are on standby at seven quick response stations.
Authorities are also monitoring the level of the Cagayan River and its tributaries.
The Cagayan PDRRMO also urged residents to obey authorities during evacuations.
'Sa mga kababayan po natin sa Cagayan natatandaan po natin yung last year na sunod sunod na bagyo halos pareho ang track nito na dadaanan. Huwag na po tayong magdili dali na hindi sumama sa mga barangay officials kapag kayo po ay pinuntahan para sa kasiguraduhan nyo at kaligtasan,' said Rueli Rapsing, Cagayan PDRRMO acting head.
(To Cagayan residents, let us remember last year's consecutive typhoons that followed almost the same path. Follow the barangay officials during evacuation. It's for your own safety and protection.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
