Isabela governor: Province faces worst flooding in 40 years

Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III reported that the province experienced its most severe flooding in over 40 years due to Typhoon Ulysses, with aerial inspections revealing widespread inundation in agricultural and residential areas, submerging District 1 including Ilagan City and several towns.

Fifty out of 91 barangays in Ilagan City and all villages in Santo Tomas were inundated, with the provincial board placing Isabela under a state of calamity to expedite relief.

Three people died and two remain missing due to the flooding, with Governor Albano stating that around 35% of the province was submerged.

Massive floods reached house roofs, isolating villages and prompting rescue efforts, though Governor Albano noted that rescue teams were overwhelmed due to a lack of proper equipment and the strong currents.

Albano mentioned that while they received prior warning about water release in Magat Dam, they did not anticipate the magnitude of water coming from the Cagayan River's 38 tributaries.

Some residents in Sto. Tomas fear the floodwaters may last for a month due to the low-lying roads in their area.