Typhoon Ofel has wreaked havoc across Cagayan, leaving behind severe destruction, including a partially collapsed bridge, dead livestock, and ruined crops.
In Gonzaga, the San Jose Bridge was heavily damaged, with both sides of the bridge broken, stranding motorists. Logs believed to have been washed down from the mountains were scattered around the area. Other parts of Gonzaga were submerged due to the heavy rainfall, affecting local communities.
Residents, like Pedro Lameg, struggled to get by, with no vehicles available, prompting him to walk for miles to reach his destination.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured that they were working swiftly to restore the bridge with the help of both private sectors and local authorities. DPWH Region 2 Director Mathias Malenab confirmed that repairs would be expedited, and the bridge would likely be passable within the day.
Typhoon Ofel also devastated agricultural areas, burying rice fields under logs and causing the death of livestock, impacting the livelihood of many farmers. Jose Butay, a local farmer, expressed his distress over the damage to his animals and crops, saying, “It’s hard to explain… These animals were our livelihood, and now the rice fields are buried under logs.”
In addition, a school building in Barangay Santa Margarita, Baggao, was destroyed, while floodwaters continued to inundate several parts of Sta. Ana town. Authorities were still conducting rescue operations for residents in areas near riverbanks.
Evacuations in Barangay Palawig were lifted as the weather cleared. Authorities are now working on a damage assessment to gauge the full extent of the destruction caused by Typhoon Ofel.