Typhoon Karen isolates parts of Central Luzon

Parts of Central Luzon were rendered isolated on Sunday due to landslides and flooding caused Typhoon Karen (international name Sarika).

Based on reports from the Aurora Provincial Police Office, the Dingalan to Nueva Ecija road was not passable to all types of vehicles due to the overflowing of the Lagawan Spillway in Barangay Caragsan in Dingalan, Aurora.

Residents currently use the detour road connecting Barangays Karagsakan and Poblacion to enter and exit Dingalan.

Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay said the town was considered isolated, but assured that the local government and its residents have enough supplies to last for two days.

As of 7 a.m., 1,527 families or 6,582 people have been evacuated in Dingalan.

The Pantabangan-Baler Road was passable to all types, while Maria-Dipaculao Road is not passable although clearing operations are ongoing.

The roads of San Luis-Baler and Maria Aurora are now passable.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Romeo Tanalgo of the Armed Forces' Northern Luzon Command said the Banaue-Mayoyao-Alfonsolista, Isabela Boundary Road in Ifugao was closed due to landslide.

The Kiangan-Tinoc Road was also rendered impassable for vehicles.

Tanalgo said Abatan Buguias and Kenon Road in Benguet were also not passable due to landslides.

He said all roads and bridges in Kalinga are passable to all types of vehicles except for the Abra-Kalinga Road due to a landslide on Barangay Pantikian, Balbalan.

The military reported no flooded areas, untoward incidents, and casualties in Kalinga as of posting time.

In Camarines Sur, roads to five barangays in Lagomoy have been closed to all types of vehicles because a portion of the Alberto Highway collapsed on Saturday night.

The typhoon slammed into Aurora province early Sunday and crossed Central Luzon.

Before noon Sunday, the typhoon exited the Luzon landmass through Bolinao, Pangasinan. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/ALG, GMA News