ILOCOS NORTE - Half of Ilocos Norte remains without power almost a week after Super Typhoon Lawin hammered northern Luzon, according to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).

Among these areas are in the second district such as Batac City and the towns of Currimao, Pinili, Paoay and Bado, said INEC technical services manager Lindergh Castillo.

"Marami kasing natumbang poste ng backbone line na nag-iinterconnect sa mga iba't-ibang lugar sa second district kaya pahirapan pa ang restoration," Castillo said.

(Many posts of the backbone line which connects different areas in the second district were toppled so it's been hard to restore power there.)

Castillo said they prioritized the restoration of power in vital structures such as the city hall and municipalities so that public services won't be affected.

"At least 50 percent na ng power supply sa Ilocos Norte ang naibalik (At least 50 percent of the power has been restored in Ilocos Norte)," said Castillo.

Lawin is the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year. It left at least 12 casualties and billions in damaged houses and other properties.