Nika floods Tuguegarao, displaces 561 families

Residents in Tuguegarao City and surrounding areas are preparing for Severe Tropical Storm Nika, which has already caused deep flooding affecting at least 3,918 families or 12,866 individuals from 35 villages.

Authorities observed the Cagayan River level at Buntun Bridge reach 10.6 meters on Tuesday morning, surpassing the alert level of 7.2 meters and approaching critical levels; however, it has since subsided slightly after exceeding the 11-meter critical level around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que urged residents to stay vigilant as Typhoon Ofel (international name Usagi) is expected to bring more rain, exacerbating existing flood conditions in low-lying villages.

Preemptive evacuations have been conducted for approximately 561 families or 1,691 individuals living in flood-prone areas across several towns; many evacuees are staying in village halls and schools designated as evacuation sites.

Local government units are closely monitoring the situation and preparing food supplies; Cagayan province has a stockpile of 10,000 family food packs available for distribution, while the provincial government is considering using its Quick Response Fund to address ongoing disaster relief needs following multiple storms this year.