Typhoon Karen destroys homes, leaves schools, churches flooded in Pangasinan

Typhoon Karen, which exited the country on Monday, affected hundreds of residents in Rosales, Pangasinan, where homes, schools, and churches were flooded.

According to a report of Victoria Tulad on "Balitanghali" on Tuesday, many residents have moved their belongings to higher ground but some had to share space with others as they were unable to return to their homes.

One resident, whose home was completely destroyed by the strong winds of the typhoon, said she did not expect that such a thing would happen to their family.

"Naiiyak lang po ako sa nangyari sa ganito na buhay namin po...Hindi ko naman akalain na ganyan ang magyari," said Rosita Corpuz. 

Another resident, whose home was flooded, was considering seeking refuge elsewhere.

"Pag tumaas talaga nakikilipat kami diyan sa medyo mataas na kuwan, bahay," said Manolito Balaquidan, of Barangay Pangaoan in Rosales. 

Floodwaters in their barangay not only reached homes but also schools and chapels.

The report said it might take days before the flood subsides in the area, where there has been a power outage for days.

Typhoon Karen left millions of pesos worth of damage in Pangasinan:  P41,350,000 in damage to infrastructure and P21,500,000 to agriculture;  300 hectares of crops were also destroyed by the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Karen.

Before the storm, the farmers were expecting to harvest 100 sacks of rice, but now they expect to produce only 30.

According to the report, the local government might declare a state of calamity Pangasinan so they could tap into the Quick Relief Fund.

Meanwhile, local officials have already handed out relief goods to the residents. — Jessica Bartolome/VVP, GMA News