Ilocos Norte braces for Super Typhoon Lawin

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MANILA, Philippines – Ilocos Norte is among the provinces which implemented preemptive evacuation ahead of the landfall of Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima).

In a statement on Wednesday, October 19, the Ilocos Norte provincial government said its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) evacuated residents from areas prone to floods and landslides.

Batac City and towns in the south of Ilocos Norte were also put on high alert, according to the provincial government.

“Residents should make sure there’s enough food for 2 to 3 days, and at the same time mag-charge na, bumili ng baterya o kandila (they should charge their gadgets, buy batteries or candles),” Provincial Information Officer June Arvin Gudoy was quoted as saying.

Lawin is expected to cross Ilocos Norte and Apayao after it makes landfall in the Cagayan-Isabela area later around midnight.

Residents of Cagayan and Isabela also evacuated ahead of the super typhoon’s arrival.

As of 5 pm on Wednesday, Cagayan and Isabela are among the provinces under signal number 5, while Ilocos Norte is included in the list of areas under signal number 4.

PAGASA has warned that Lawin could bring massive destruction to areas in its path. – Rappler.com