By Michelle Ducut
Typhoon Marce (international name Yinxing) has forced the evacuation of at least 180 families from high-risk areas in Ilocos Norte, prompting the provincial government to implement precautionary measures, including road closures and the suspension of tourism activities. As of Thursday, evacuation efforts have relocated 464 individuals from vulnerable communities in Pagudpud, San Nicolas, Bangui, Bacarra, and Batac City, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Two families from Barangays Gayamat and Mangitayag in Piddig town sought shelter in Gayamat Barangay Hall and Tonoton Elementary School. Meanwhile, to ensure public safety, Ilocos Norte has temporarily closed popular tourism sites, including the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, and Malacañang of the North.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the temporary closure of the national highway in Pagudpud following a landslide at Sitio Banquero, Barangay Pancian. According to Jocelyn Oamar, DPWH Region I maintenance section chief, “The heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Marce triggered new landslides in the area.” Clearing operations will proceed as soon as weather conditions improve. Additionally, the Apayao-Ilocos Norte road has been closed due to a soil collapse in Barangay Eva, Calanasan, Apayao.
Travel advisories have been issued, urging residents to avoid high-risk areas, bodies of water, and coastal zones. The public is advised to contact the Provincial Incident Response Management at 911 or designated hotlines for emergency assistance.
Several flights scheduled for Friday have been canceled, including Cebu Pacific flights 5J404 and 5J405, as well as Philippine Airlines flights PR2198 and PR2199.
Typhoon Marce, which is currently over northern Luzon, has brought winds of up to 175 km/h and gusts reaching 240 km/h. PAGASA, the state weather bureau, has placed parts of Ilocos Norte under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, warning of continued heavy rainfall and strong winds. The situation is being closely monitored, with the provincial government coordinating ongoing relief and rescue operations to safeguard affected residents.