1 missing, 1 dead as 'Vinta' batters Abra, Apayao

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -  Abrenian farmer-fisherman Loridel Baldos, 30, remains missing after he was taken by strong rampaging waters of the swollen Abra river in Quidaoen, San Juan town last Friday.

Meanwhile,  Manny Tabas, 41, drowned at the Baybayatin River in Lagayan town also in Abra when he checked on his fish trap but his life buoy was overturned by the strong Abra River current during the typhoon.

Found later  at the riverbank,  Tabas did not reach the hospital alive, said the Cordillera police.

The Office of Civil Defense said Apayao province was the most battered by by Vinta, with majority of damaged houses in Calanasan, Luna, Flora, Sta. Marcela towns.

At least 130 totally damaged houses in Flora and Sta. Marcela towns while 1,580 partially damaged houses were reported in Sta. Marcela, Flora, Luna and Calanasan.

At the height of the typhoon, several towns in Apayao last October 31 lost electricity as  strong winds toppled electric posts. Power was restored over the weekend as the the Cagayan Electric Cooperative worked over time to repair the damages.

Temoprary road closures were also reported in the Calanasan-Claveria Road, Apayao-Ilocos Norte Road and the Abra-Kalinga Road.