At least 1,411 families or 5,462 persons in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte are currently staying in evacuation centers and with relatives due to howling winds and heavy rains that triggered landslides, floods, uprooted trees, toppled electric posts, and damaged roads and houses in this part of northern Luzon.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lilian Rin confirmed this on Thursday as she reported the provincial government has initially prepositioned relief goods in Pagudpud town.

Due to incessant rains and strong winds spawned by Typhoon Ulysses in the northernmost part of the province, Rin said two houses were partially damaged in Barangay Balaoi due to landslide and one in Barangay Agassi due to a fallen tree.

“Since yesterday, we have delivered at least 400 family packs in Pagudpud as a counterpart from the provincial government,” Rin said.

Linemen from the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative are now in Pagudpud town to restore a distribution line that was toppled due to a fallen acacia tree and landslide.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Agriculture Office led by provincial agriculturist Norma Lagmay said they are currently assessing agriculture damage as many rice fields in Pagudpud were submerged in floodwater.

Travelers going north are also advised to postpone their trip or to take the alternate route going to Cagayan as the Manila North Road Kilometer 579+130 in Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is closed since Wednesday due to continuous soil erosion. (PNA)