Over 5,200 Isabela residents evacuated due to Typhoon Nika

Over 5,200 residents in Isabela province were evacuated on Monday due to Typhoon Nika, with at least 1,783 families seeking safety as the typhoon continues to impact various towns.

Evacuation centers have recorded 1,783 families or 5,220 individuals in Ilagan City alone, while other affected areas include Maconacon with 279 families and Dinapigue with 212 families evacuating due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Typhoon Nika made landfall in Dilasag, Aurora, according to Pagasa, and is currently near San Agustin, Isabela, maintaining maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 180 kph.

The storm has caused significant damage, with debris flying around and trees being uprooted in several towns such as Dinapigue and Echague, where corrugated roofing sheets were torn away by strong winds.

Provincial administrator Noel Manuel Lopez urged residents to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities like fishing or gathering driftwood, while Gov. Rodolfo Albano III assured that pre-positioned supplies are ready for any potential flooding.