No casualties were reported after localized whirlwinds struck 10 municipalities in Ilocos Sur as heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, continued to affect the province.

The affected areas were Burgos, Narvacan, Bantay, Cabugao, Sinait, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, and Caoayan.

Rhon Arquelada, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said local disaster response teams were immediately deployed to assess the damage and conduct clearing operations.

Provincial data showed that the combined effects of the Habagat and localized whirlwinds affected 5,026 families or 17,371 individuals in 168 barangays across two cities and 16 municipalities.

Of the affected population, 90 families or 225 individuals were staying in evacuation centers, while 68 families or 214 individuals were temporarily staying outside evacuation facilities.

Initial assessments also showed damage to 60 houses, including three that were totally destroyed and 58 that sustained partial damage.

The province placed its Emergency Operations Center under red alert at 8 a.m. on Aug. 31, raising its status from blue alert as authorities intensified monitoring and coordination with local disaster offices and prepared land and water response assets.

PDRRMO personnel and local disaster teams, with assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Department of Public Works and Highways, and barangay responders, continued clearing operations in affected areas.

The Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) also activated its power restoration task force following weather-related disruptions. Specialized lineman teams were deployed to sub-offices to restore electricity in affected communities.

Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams remain deployed to determine the full extent of the damage, while the province's Incident Management Team remains on standby for search and rescue, medical assistance and clearing operations.

Most national highways in the province remain passable, although the Galimuyod Bridge is limited to one lane after erosion affected the structure. Local disaster teams and local government units continue to clear affected roads and reopen impassable routes.

The provincial government is also providing relief assistance through its social welfare and development office, including family food packs, shelter repair kits and hygiene kits. Additional supplies were distributed to evacuees on 31 August.

The PDRRMO urged residents to remain indoors while classes and work are suspended, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA, the PDRRMO and official local government channels.

Residents were also advised to stay away from flooded areas and strong river currents and immediately report any whirlwind activity to their local disaster risk reduction and management office.