Nika brings heavy rain, flooding risk in North Luzon

State forecasters warned of widespread flooding and landslides in northern Luzon as Severe Tropical Storm Nika approaches, with intense to torrential rains expected from Monday to Tuesday in areas like Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Aurora, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered mayors and governors in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Region to conduct preemptive evacuations in about 2,500 barangays starting Sunday evening due to the expected landfall of Nika on Monday.

Residents are advised to prepare a 'Go Bag' containing essential items like first aid kits, medicines, survival kits, and personal necessities for potential evacuations.

The Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with the government to preemptively evacuate vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women in their third trimester, lactating mothers, young children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with pre-existing conditions.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reminded residents to evacuate their homes when local governments instruct them to do so during a visit to Cagayan.

Weather bureau PAGASA on Tuesday warned that the soil in some areas of Northern Luzon is saturated due to recent rains brought by Nika, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over four areas in northern Luzon.