BAGUIO, Philippines – Typhoon Julian (Krathon) maintained its strength as it swept across northern Luzon, triggering evacuations, road closures, and the release of dam waters as local governments scrambled to respond to its impact.
By Monday morning, September 30, Julian had passed near Sabtang Island in Batanes, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that prompted swift action.
Work was suspended in many areas. In Baguio City, Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered an early afternoon halt to government work, except for critical disaster response units.
In Apayao, Governor Elias Bulut Jr. followed suit, suspending work at 2:30 pm, with emergency services remaining on standby.
In Calanasan, Apayao, Mayor Shamir Bulut earlier ordered a 1 pm work suspension due to worsening conditions.
In Benguet province, La Trinidad town also shut down government operations, as Mayor Romeo Salda’s Executive Order No. 061-2024 cited harsh weather conditions.
Classes were also suspended in Abra, Baguio City, and Benguet.
In Apayao, schools were closed as officials prepared for the worst.
Evacuations began in Abra, where rising waters forced 26 families from their homes in Cardona village, Dolores, as the Tineg River swelled. The local disaster response council quickly activated three evacuation centers for displaced residents.
Authorities opened the floodgates of the Ambuklao and Binga dams in Benguet. Ambuklao’s water level reached 750.51 meters, just below its critical 752-meter threshold, while two gates of Binga Dam were opened as water levels approached the 575-meter mark.
Benguet officials issued warnings to villages in Bokod and Itogon, urging residents to prepare for potential flooding. Local authorities stressed caution, particularly in the villages of Ambuklao, Dalupirip, and Tinongdan.
The typhoon rendered several roads impassable. In Apayao, landslides and rising rivers closed the Apayao-Ilocos Norte Road in Calanasan and the Claveria-Calanasan-Kabugao Road.
Authorities said clearing operations would resume once weather conditions improved. Local governments advised against non-essential travel and warned of further flooding and landslides as the storm continued. Emergency services remained on high alert as the heavy rain persisted. – Rappler.com
