1 dead, some roads closed as 'Juan' batters Northern Luzon

At least one person was reported killed as tropical cyclone "Juan" (Megi) battered Northern Luzon on Monday, plunging Isabela in darkness and forcing the closure of several key roads in the mountainous region.

In its 4 p.m. update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also reported that a child suffered minor wounds after being hit by a fallen live wire in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

According to the NDRRMC report, at least 781 families or 3,687 people had been evacuated to temporary shelters in Pangasinan, Kalinga, and La Union.

At least 274 passengers were also reported stranded at seaports in Batangas; Puerto Real, Quezon; and Santa Ana, Isabela.
PAGASA WEATHER BULLETIN
Tropical Cyclone Warning:
Typhoon "JUAN" (MEGI)
Monday, 18 October 2010, 5 p.m.
SIGNAL NO. 3
(100-185 kph winds)

* Cagayan
* Isabela
* Apayao
* Kalinga
* Ifugao
* Quirino
* Nueva Viscaya
* Benguet
* Mt. Province
* Abra
* Ilocos Norte
* Ilocos Sur
* La Union

SIGNAL NO. 2
(60-100 kph winds)

* Batanes
* Babuyan
* Calayan Group
* Pangasinan
* Nueva Ecija
* Aurora
* Tarlac

SIGNAL NO. 1
(30-60 kph winds)

* Zambales
* Pampanga
* Bataan
* Bulacan
* Rizal
* Cavite
* Laguna
* Northern Quezon
* Polilio Island
* Batangas
* Metro Manila



Fatality, impassable roads

Radio dzBB's Roland Bola reported that the body of Vicente Decena of Cagayan, who was earlier reported drowned, was recovered past 4 p.m.

The NDRRMC confirmed that the 53-year old Decena, reportedlyswept away by the current of Cagayan River on Monday morning, was found drowned at Bunton Bridge.

The agency said the roads rendered impassable included:

* Manila North Road at Sagayaden village in Cabugao (Ilocos Sur), one lane passable;
* Benguet-Dalupirip, Itogon and Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet Road, closed due to slides;
* Claveria-Calanasan Road Mabanong Section in Apayao, closed to traffic;
* Lenning-Cabugao Road in Apayao closed due to slides;

* Calanan boundary Calaan Road Bannagao Section, Dalimono section in Mountain Province, one lane closed due to slides;

Halsema Highway in the Cordillera region remained open, the NDRRMC said.

A separate report by radio dzBB said Kennon Road was impassable but the Marcos Highway remained open as an alternate route.

Power outage

NDRRMC said Isabela was hit with a power outage as electrical posts were toppled down, trees uprooted, and roofs blown away by "Juan."

Heavy rains and strong winds were experienced in Santiago City in Isabela, while Baguio City experienced moderate to heavy rains.

A report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo Monday evening said local residents in Isabela worked together with police and military in clearing roads of debris.

'Juan' out by 1 a.m. Tuesday

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lowered its storm alerts as "Juan" weakened after crossing the Sierra Madre Mountain.

The weather bureau said "Juan" was estimated at 60 kms southwest of Tuguegarao City as of 4 p.m. with maximum winds of 180 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 215 kph.

PAGASA said "Juan" is now traversing the mountainous terrain of Cordillera and will exit along the western coast of La Union-Ilocos Sur area by 11 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday. By Tuesday afternoon it is expected to be 330 km west-northwest of Baguio City. - with a report from Larissa Mae Suarez/KBK/YA, GMANews.TV