Aurora PDRRMC logs 17 incidents, multiple injuries during Holy Week

Baler, Aurora — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Aurora recorded a total of 17 incidents, resulting in multiple injuries, during the Holy Week celebrations in the province. The incidents occurred due to an influx of tourists between 11 and 17 April, as part of the Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) 2025.

According to the situational report, the incidents included seven vehicular accidents, resulting in 13 injuries; seven water-related incidents, including six near-drownings and one case of a sea urchin sting, with 16 injuries; and three medical emergencies, resulting in three injuries.

The report highlighted that Baler and Casiguran each recorded five incidents, while Dilasag had four. The towns of Dingalan, Dipaculao, and Dinalungan, however, did not report any untoward incidents.

One of the near-drowning cases involved five tourists in Sabang Beach, Baler, on 17 April. The victims were swept away by strong waves while swimming. The Coast Guard Station Aurora, MDRRMO-Baler, and other response teams quickly rescued all the victims.

Another incident occurred at the Northshore, Sabang Beach, where two individuals under the influence of alcohol nearly drowned. One victim received CPR, while the other was rushed to Premier General Hospital. The second victim was stabilized and taken to Aurora Memorial Hospital.

Several road incidents and health emergencies were also recorded, including a collision between a tricycle and a motorcycle at Sitio Hacienda, San Luis, injuring five victims.

In Casiguran, a 77-year-old woman from Quirino Province sustained a spinal injury after slipping at the Ecopark. In Dilasag, a teenage boy was stung by a sea urchin while swimming at Canawer Beach and was given immediate medical attention.

In Casiguran, two teenagers from Bulacan were involved in a motorcycle accident, while a 78-year-old man experienced food poisoning.

Despite the increase in incidents, no fatalities or missing persons were reported, thanks to the swift and coordinated response from local disaster councils and emergency responders.