As the sun rose over Cagayan on November 8, 2024, residents were faced with widespread destruction brought on by Typhoon Marce. In Barangay Centro, Pamplona, numerous houses were left with roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and smaller structures reduced to debris. The aftermath of Marce left a trail of destruction, with affected communities grappling to assess the full scale of the storm’s impact.
Flooding in Buguey
In Buguey, specifically in Dalaya, floodwaters rose to knee level, making navigation through the streets a challenge for residents. Days of continuous rain from Typhoon Marce have turned this area into a temporary water basin, with floodwaters expected to linger if heavy rains persist. This scenario has pushed Buguey authorities to issue warnings for residents to stay indoors and prioritize safety measures. The floods have particularly impacted low-lying areas, where homes and agricultural fields have suffered substantial damage.
Scenes of Destruction in Aparri
Images shared by resident Chrissa Martinez revealed the havoc Typhoon Marce unleashed upon the town of Aparri. In the photos, fallen trees and scattered roof sheets lie strewn across the town, illustrating the power of the storm’s winds. Aparri’s local businesses were not spared either, as many small establishments suffered damaged roofs and structural impairments. Martinez described the typhoon’s powerful winds that battered buildings and disrupted essential services, leaving many wondering how long it would take to rebuild.
Claveria’s School Facilities Damaged
In Claveria, Barangay Santiago, a school’s covered walkway collapsed under the pressure of Marce’s fierce winds. Laurence Constantino, a resident who shared images of the devastation, reported that several school buildings and even concrete homes in the vicinity sustained significant damage. The winds uprooted sections of roofing and shattered windows, leaving classrooms and educational resources exposed to the elements. With educational facilities heavily impacted, the local government is now exploring options for temporary shelters and alternative school arrangements for students until repairs are feasible.
Allacapan Braces for Recovery
In Allacapan, particularly in Capanickian Sur and Poblacion, residents were greeted by a landscape forever altered by the typhoon. Hours of relentless wind and rain left houses partially or entirely damaged. Power outages remain a pressing issue, with many areas left in the dark as the electric grid in Cagayan struggles to manage the storm’s aftereffects. Local authorities and utility companies are mobilizing repair teams to address power and water shortages in affected neighborhoods.
Widespread Damage in Ballesteros
The town of Ballesteros also bore the brunt of Typhoon Marce’s impact. Boulevard Centro East, particularly Zone 7, sustained massive damage as homes and community facilities were battered by high winds. In some cases, entire homes were swept away by the powerful gusts, leaving residents in despair. Those who lost their homes have sought refuge with relatives or in temporary evacuation centers, awaiting government assistance for rebuilding. The community is in dire need of supplies, as necessities like clean water, food, and medical assistance have become critical.
Local Government and Relief Efforts Underway
Cagayan’s provincial government has declared a state of calamity, allowing for the immediate release of funds to support relief operations. Emergency response teams have been deployed to assess the extent of the damage and provide critical aid. In the hardest-hit areas, residents are being advised to stay in safe locations while government teams work to clear roads and restore vital services.
As the people of Cagayan begin the difficult task of recovery, local officials are appealing for support and additional resources. With numerous families displaced and properties heavily damaged, rebuilding efforts will require substantial time, effort, and community solidarity.