Typhoon Pepeng in Aparri, Cagayan

Volunteered to cover Typhoon Pepeng up north. I was with our driver Romy Tamanu. We left the office at around 9pm of Friday, 2 October 2009.

3 October 2009

8:06 AM

A man struggles to walk along the highway of San Pablo in Isabela as heavy winds blow brought about by the incoming Typhoon Pepeng.

The weather was still manageable. But winds are starting to get stronger.

We were just supposedly instructed to go in Bayombong but news came that typhoon Pepeng diverted and that it will land fall now in Aparri so we went there right away.

Arrived just before lunch and we went to Baranggay Maura just near the ocean and I saw how strong the waves are.

11:31 AM

12 year-old Buboy Mabbagu looks at heavy waves brought by Typhoon Pepeng in Aparri, Cagayan.

Residents are already preparing for Typhoon Pepeng.

11:36 AM

Renato Ribiacos fortifies his house’s fence as heavy winds and strong waves push houses lined up at Baranggay Maura, Aparri, Cagayan

I decided to find a hotel after that since my body and camera was all wet due to rains which started to fall around that time.

After lunch we went around town to see what’s happening as Typhoon Pepeng is about to hit the area.

This was what I saw…

People are already fleeing though some are just roaming around town as if it’s just but natural for a typhoon with this strength to hit their area.

A colleague from ABS CBN which was also supposed to go to Aparri was stuck in Tuguegarrao. She said there were already road blocks caused by Typhoon Pepeng and it’s too dangerous to push thru.

2:19 PM

Residents flee their houses in Aparri as Typhoon Pepeng starts to storm the area at around two in the afternoon of Saturday.

Some parts like Rizal Street started to become like a ghost town.

A Presbyterian Church was converted to an instant evacuation of residents living in Baranggay Maura.

I asked why I only see women and children and they said their husbands are inside their houses looking for it as the typhoon might destroy their homes.

2:39PM

Residents of Baranggay Maura in Aparri seek shelter inside a Presbyterian Church.

This was around the time when my camera started to moist. I decided to give the camera a break as we have only one issued camera and if this conks out on me then it’s game over.

Just sent photos to the office. Winds are getting stronger and police authorities are going around town looking for those in need of help.

I have my camera, cellular phone, laptop, GPS and all the necessary chargers needed for them to work plus an power inverter inside the pick up so this will be my mobile station for now. I also have a VHF-UHF portable radio just in case cell sites become clogged.

Will update as soon as I have time. Will do my rounds first in Aparri.