North Luzon areas flooded due to Hanna, Southwest Monsoon

Incessant rains due to Typhoon Hanna and the Southwest Monsoon caused massive flooding, and rock and landslides in several areas in Nothern Luzon.

According to a Saturday “24 Oras Weekend” report by Claire Lacanilao of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, 34 barangays in three local government units in Pampanga were flooded.

It rained so heavily along the McArthur Highway Dinalupihan National Road in Olongapo City that visibility dropped to zero.

In Pangasinan, the local government monitored the water levels of their rivers.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and local agencies alerted the residents to the possible threats of flash floods and landslides.

It also caused land and rock slides in Pagudpud, Abra, Apayao, and Benguet. Authorities conducted road-clearing operations in these areas.

In Ilocos Sur, fishermen were unable to sail for a month since Super Typhoon Egay.

Hanna also brought strong winds and waves along the coastal waters of Ilocos Sur.

Earlier Saturday, Typhoon Hanna continued to intensify while moving west-northwestward towards the sea east of Taiwan, the state weather bureau PAGASA reported.

Batanes remained under Signal No. 1 based on PAGASA's 5 p.m. bulletin.

The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, meanwhile, which is currently enhanced by Hanna, would bring occasional monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News