Different coastal areas in Central and Northern Luzon experienced storm surges ranging from 2 to 7 feet, generated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
In Lingayen, Pangasinan, the storm surge rose up to three feet, causing floods in several coastal towns along the Lingayen Gulf and prompting the evacuation of over 500 families.
According to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Bolinao town had the highest number of evacuees, with 130 families, followed by Sual with 114 families and Dagupan City with 97 families as of Thursday, October 24.
Evacuations were also carried out in the towns of Agno, Anda, Bani, Labrador, and San Fabian, relocating residents to safer, higher ground.
The PDRRMO report indicated that a total of 1,806 individuals are currently sheltered in evacuation centers.
Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino noted that while Kristine did not bring significant rainfall to the province, its strong winds caused the storm surge that affected coastal communities. He also mentioned that natural grasses along some beaches, particularly in Binmaley, may have helped reduce the impact of the surge in certain areas.
“We want to consult with environmental experts to explore development strategies near the Capitol that could mitigate the effects of future storm surges,” Lambino stated.
In Binmaley, the MV Xavier tanker ran aground near the bay walk on Wednesday night due to strong winds, according to a Facebook post by Mayor Pedro Merrera. The vessel was en route to Sual when it was forced aground; however, the nature of its cargo remains unknown.
Lambino added that major rivers in Pangasinan are currently at below-normal or normal water levels, which further eases concerns about flooding due to the storm.
In Palauig, Zambales, its coastal beach in San Juan also suffered a 7-foot surge early Friday morning, resulting in damage to some fences, cottages, and even a small church nearby. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane assured that measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of bad weather on the province. Residents of the affected coastal beach have begun cleaning up debris left by the surge.
Last Wednesday morning, Pagasa issued a storm surge warning for Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
Meanwhile, a total of 7,520 passengers and 1,737 RoRo vehicles are stranded in several ports nationwide, according to the Philippine Ports Authority.
Port operations remain normal in other areas under PPA’s jurisdiction except for ports where operations were suspended or deemed non-operational due to the impact of Kristine. The PPA reported that stranded passengers in ports were provided with hot meals.
