By Renee F. De Guzman

San Fernando City, La Union (31 October) -- Supertyphoon "Paeng" (international codename: Cimaron), the second powerful typhoon to hit the country this year slashed across Northern Luzon yesterday, leaving 14 dead and a trail of destruction.

Before exiting out to China Sea, Paeng blew houses, toppled electric posts, uprooted trees and caused landslides and flooding especially in Northeastern provinces of Luzon.

Nearly 30 northern provinces were placed under storm alert. Schools were closed and government work was suspended.

In the Province of La Union, Governor Victor F. Ortega conducted a "preventive evacuation" of some 5908 people living in the flood prone barangays in the municipalities of Bangar, Caba, Aringay and the City of San Fernando.

Governor Ortega marvelled that typhoon Paeng left minimal damages in La Union.

Everyone was just thankful the super hawler weakened when it hit Sierra Madre Mountains and further weakened when it ran into the Cordilleras that when it exited through La Union its wind velocity further weakened to 120 kph and its gusts to 150 kph, according to weather bureau.

With the trauma left by "Milenyo" still fresh from everybody's mind, the local government units and the agencies involve in disaster management were really on their toes.

Typhoon Paeng has showed the efforts of all concerned government agencies in ensuring the optimum preparedness and quick response indicating the government's improving disaster management operations.

President Arroyo herself was satisfied with the preparations made for the calamity. The NDCC, other concerned agencies and local government units were commended for speedily and effectively responding to the disaster preparedness hence, won the day for the people.

Divine interventions has also spared the country from what was expected to be massive destruction.