A powerful storm surge caused by Typhoon Leon has damaged several structures along the coast of Sta. Ana, Cagayan, as reported on 24 Oras. According to PAGASA, storm surges are extreme rises in sea levels during severe weather, with this surge causing significant destruction to local properties.
One coastal home was destroyed, leaving only its roof intact as waves engulfed the land beneath it. Resident Josefina Tangonan expressed sadness over losing the house her child had built for them, adding that they now need to find a new home.
Mayor Nelson Robinion noted that the affected area is a “no-build zone,” located within 40 meters of the high tide line, and said that no zoning permits had been issued for the houses there. Some residents had also constructed seawalls without approval, which were similarly damaged.
Despite these zoning issues, the local government has promised assistance to those affected. The situation underscores a growing concern about coastal erosion as residents report that the sea appears to be encroaching on their communities—a phenomenon attributed to climate change.
Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Chief Ruelie Rapsing mentioned a study indicating that by 2030, shorelines are expected to recede further inland, reducing usable land. Sta. Ana and other parts of northern Cagayan remain under Signal No. 1.