Cottage owners are at a loss from the beach closure and damages brought by severe tropical storm Kristine. Lady Vicencio, ABS-CBN News

SAN JUAN, La Union — During weather disturbances, San Juan, La Union's surfing area, is closed to swimmers and surfers as a precaution.

But with severe tropical storm Kristine bringing huge waves along the coast, cottages in the "Surfing Capital of the North" were damaged, causing double losses for owners.

Caretake Bong Galera expressed worry should the inclement weather persist.

Rental for open cottages in the surf town ranges from P800 to P1,500.

• 'Kristine' makes landfall in Isabela: PAGASA

But due to the storm, their only source of living left was the small sari-sari store in the beach area.

“Hirap na hirap na kami. Three days nang nangyayari ito. Hindi kami makapagbenta. Walang mga guests,” Galera said.

Galera said it might take time for them to rebuild their cottages since materials are already estimated to cost around P80,000.

Wages for construction labor is another cost to shoulder.

For bigger establishments like hotels and restaurants, guests are still welcome to stay but are prohibited to go near the beach area.

• Kristine maintains strength as it flies over Cordillera region

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, severe tropical storm Kristine was spotted in the vicinity of Bauko, Mountain Province, according to weather bureau Pagasa's latest bulletin, as it continues to move over the Cordillera region.

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