Many stranded, lines cut as storm strikes P'sinan

MANILA, Philippines - Many people were stranded as tropical storm "Cosme" downed power and communication lines in several areas in Pangasinan province, according to a report by radio dzRH. The radio station on Sunday also cited field reports that authorities were verifying reports that at least one person was killed in Lingayen town. No other details were immediately available. The reports also indicated that the roofs of least 100 houses in the Dagupan City and Calasiao areas were blown off by the storm, while several electric and phone posts were felled due to strong winds. As of 3 a.m., local power firms managed to re-energize only some parts of Umingan, Tayug, and San Quintin towns. Communication lines were also down in Pozzorubio town, including those at the police stations. In some areas of San Carlos City, winds felled mahogany, acacia, and tamarind trees. Cellular phone services were likewise disrupted in many areas. Many motorists were stranded along Maharlika Highway in Pozzorubio and Sison towns in Pangasinan since Saturday evening. "Bumper to bumper kami rito, paakyat ng Baguio (We've been stranded, bumper to bumper. We could not get to Baguio)," said Jerry, a truck driver, on dzRH radio. Another driver, Raul, said his group was stranded since 6 p.m. Saturday along the road from Urdaneta to La Union, as felled trees blocked the way. In Aurora province, many motorists were likewise stranded at the Baler-Bongabong road linking Nueva Ecija to Aurora. In La Union province, Bombo Radyo reported that some 50 families were transferred from Agoo town to several evacuation centers. Almira Abrasado, administrator of the Philippine National Red Cross, said evacuation operations were also conducted in the coastal towns of Sto. Tomas, Aringay, San Fernando City, Luna, Balaoan and Bangar. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said that as of 10 p.m. Saturday, a storm surge was reported in some areas of Zambales province. The NDCC said that in Western Visayas, flooding and landslide were reported in 14 villages in Pavia, Dumangas, and Lambunao towns in Iloilo province, affecting 1,167 families. In Southern Luzon, authorities suspended trips by small sea vessels. Only big vessels that sought advice from the Philippine Coast Guard were allowed to sail. - GMANews.TV