By KIMBERLIE QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY— Banaue municipality in Ifugao province remains on red alert as officials deal with the aftermath of the massive flash flood and mudslides that hit the town on July 7.

The incident killed no one but displaced some 500 families (around 1,500 individuals), damaged houses, blocked major roads, and caused power outages. Authorities also reported three injured individuals. The LGU evacuated the residents to the municipal gymnasium.

As of July 9, the Banaue municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) said most evacuees had already returned to their homes. Two families remained at the evacuation center in Barangay Poblacion. Power was also restored at 3:00 PM, July 8.

The MDRRMO also stated that all major roads in town are now open. However, clearing operations for the debris and mud, including clogged waterways, are still ongoing.

The local government activated its emergency operation center to respond to the needs of those affected by the disaster and to prepare for the possible adverse effect of other weather disturbances.

According to a 3:00 AM PAG-ASA advisory, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) may experience “cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms” due to the Southwest Monsoon. It also warned of “possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.”

According to the initial MDRRMO report, three houses were totally damaged, while some 813 others were partially damaged from eight barangays. The numbers may rise as the MDRRMO assesses damages in 10 more barangays.

CLEAN UP. Local police assist in clearing the debris left by the flash flood along the roads. (Banaue PNP)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera has initially distributed P339,375 worth of assistance, including food packs, to the affected residents. The agency also allocated P5 million in aid for those whose houses were damaged.

In an advisory on Friday, Jovita Ganongan, director of the Department of Tourism in Cordillera, suspended all tourism-related activities and travels to Banaue.

Banaue is a popular tourist destination and home to two of the five UNESCO inscribed rice terraces in Ifugao — the Bangaan and Batad rice terraces clusters.

The municipal agriculture office is still assessing the extent of damages to the rice terraces, including those not included in the UNESCO inscription. # nordis.net