Kiyapo triggers floods, landslides across Northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kiyapo triggered widespread flooding and landslides in several parts of Northern Luzon as it battered the region on Friday, July 24.

In a “24 Oras Weekend” report by Jonathan Andal, heavy rains brought by Kiyapo caused an irrigation canal to overflow, sending floodwaters rushing into the streets of Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Residents worked together to stack sandbags along roads and in front of their homes to keep the floodwaters at bay.

In Laoag City, a roadside riprap wall in Barangay 55-A, Barit Sitio 5 collapsed, scattering rocks across the highway. In Barangay 7-B, motorists were forced to push their vehicles through floodwaters.

Rescuers also responded to an SUV that veered off the road on Friday. Authorities said the driver likely failed to see the road shoulder because of the high water level.

In Batac City, continuous rainfall caused the Quiaoit River to overflow and inundate nearby streets. Clearing operations continued even after the rains subsided.

In the town of Adams, authorities conducted clearing operations following a landslide.

In Dingras, rushing waters from the Madongan Dam swept away several huts, affecting the livelihoods of local cottage vendors. Authorities temporarily prohibited swimming at the dam.

Meanwhile, in Baguio City, authorities cleared a rockslide along a portion of Kennon Road after it was temporarily closed to traffic.

Cagayan floods

In Cagayan, several homes were flooded in the town of Gonzaga, prompting the local government to suspend activities for the Pineapple Festival.

Floodwaters also inundated a road in a village in Santa Teresita. In Buguey, fishpond operators harvested their fish early for fear that the storm could damage their ponds.

In Barangay Matucay, Allacapan, rice fields resembled rivers after continuous rains submerged the area.

A local school was also flooded, causing portions of its ceiling to peel off. Teachers said the problem had persisted for years and appealed to the Department of Education to repair the damaged facilities.

The Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said Friday that Kiyapo had affected more than 200 people, or about 50 families, in the province. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News