Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Travelers planning to visit Ilocos Norte should be aware of the recent temporary closure of Tanap-Avis Falls, a popular tourist spot in Burgos, due to safety concerns following a flash flood incident that left 19 tourists stranded. This unexpected event has prompted local authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety of visitors, which will likely have implications for both the travel industry and those planning to explore the area. Temporary Closure and Safety Measures On Tuesday, the local government of Burgos decided to temporarily close Tanap-Avis Falls after 19 tourists from Piddig town were stranded by a flash flood late Monday afternoon.
This was the first time such an incident had been reported in the area, raising concerns about the safety of visitors, particularly during the rainy season. Burgos Mayor Crescente Garcia has instructed that a survey be conducted to identify critical areas around the falls that should be off-limits to tourists. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead the survey, which will help in putting up necessary signage in high-risk areas to prevent future incidents.
These proactive measures aim to protect tourists from potential hazards and to ensure that the site remains a safe destination for all. In addition, Emma Luz Martinez-Rico, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer, emphasized the need for deploying a lifeguard at the falls, especially during the rain.