MANILA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Days of heavy monsoon rains and floods have affected more than 14,000 residents of Ilocos Norte province in northern Philippines, the local government said on Saturday.
The provincial board in a Facebook post said the province in the northern part of Luzon island is currently under a state of calamity due to continuous heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon and enhanced by a tropical depression.
"Heavy rainfall, flooding, road blockages and closures have been reported throughout the province over the past week, with tertiary-level classes and government work being suspended shortly after noon on Friday," the board said.
As of Saturday, the board said a total of 111 million pesos (roughly 2.08 million U.S. dollars) worth of damage to infrastructure and agriculture has been recorded.
On Friday, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) issued an advisory urging foreign and local tourists to stay indoors and avoid travelling around the province.
Also, the board said tourist spots around the province have been shut down "until further notice."
"Declaring Ilocos Norte under the state of calamity would mean coordinated efforts in every part of our province," Vice Governor Angelo Marcos Barba said.
The statement said provincial officials have launched initial relief operations in the towns of Paoay, Pasuquin and Burgos.
The state weather bureau PAGASA said that monsoon rains are expected in Ilocos region and nearby areas on Sunday.
