By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff Reporter
San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) second engineering district reported that there was no damage caused by tropical storm Falcon [international name Danas] which passed by Northern Luzon from July 16 to 17, 2019.
DPWH-INED II assistant district engineer James Ferer said the Manila North Road (MNR) particularly at the Ilocos Norte’s second district was passable without any damages from the tropical storm.
Though Mr. Ferer admitted that there was an increase in the level of water brought by heavy rains but this did not affect any infrastructure or major projects of the DPWH second engineering district.
During the height of the typhoon, Mr. Ferer along with district engineer Mathias Malenab and their project engineers visited the DPWH projects especially the flood control projects and observed that the typhoon’s effects were manageable.
The said project engineers were also advised to coordinate with the contractors to closely monitor the projects.
Mr. Ferer disclosed that some parts of Ilocos Norte were reported as flooded which is the reason for the continuing construction of dikes that will soon be connected in all the rivers here in the province.
“But for the meantime may mga sections na ginagawan pa rin at kapag buo na yan, magiging wala ng problema sa flooding,” Mr. Ferer said.
Relative to road projects, the DPWH also advised contractors to closely monitor their respective projects and to provide adequate warning signs placed at proper locations to inform, guide and warn motorists especially during night time.
He also announced that heavy equipment including DPWH personnel were on standby during the typhoon in case of emergency or assistance as augmentation force.
Relative to this, acting San Nicolas Mayor Edistio P. Valdez suspended the classes for elementary and secondary on July 17, 2019 due inclement weather.
On July 18, he again suspended classes in all levels due to the stormy weather caused by a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon.