Heavy rain damages infra projects in Ilocos

Heavy rain and swollen rivers damaged flood-control structures and disrupted communities in parts of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

In Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, a newly built river control project in Barangay Nanguneg West was damaged after floodwaters surged through the river on Sunday, August 10, 2026.

YouScooper Bea Dominguez said the bridge connected to the project was damaged first by heavy rain that poured earlier. The river wall linked to the bridge was completed only in July 2026.

The local government is now digging a temporary water channel to reduce pressure on the river control structure and help control the flow of water.

In Quirino, Ilocos Sur, strong river currents damaged an estimated 500 to 800 meters of a dike, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The river has also started to erode land nearby. Authorities said strong currents developed where the Matong and Abra rivers meet.

Residents were urged to remain cautious as rain continues in the area.

In Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, heavy rain turned the steps leading to the Sta. Maria Church into what appeared to be waterfalls. Some residents had difficulty and had to take extra care while using the slippery stairs.

Meanwhile, heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon also affected parts of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Rain reduced visibility on some roads, affecting motorists. Several roads were also briefly flooded, but the water later subsided. —GMA Regional TV News