Churches open doors to shelter families amid flooding

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- As Typhoon Kristine brings intense rains, causing severe flooding and landslides across the Bicol region, bishops and priests from Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes have opened churches to families in need of temporary shelter.

In Albay, Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi announced that churches throughout the province are available as evacuation centers for families affected by flooding. Similarly, Bishop Luisito A. Occiano of the Diocese of Virac, Catanduanes, directed priests to open parish churches for possible evacuations and monitor those in need of aid.

“We must be ready to offer support and comfort to those affected by this typhoon. In times like this, let us extend a helping hand to our neighbors and show compassion and solidarity,” Bishop Occiano emphasized.

Archbishop Rex Alarcon of the Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur also opened churches as safe havens for flood-affected families, as Typhoon Kristine continues to batter the Bicol region with torrential rains. Floodwaters have reportedly reached as high as six feet, inundating communities in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.

The SM City Legazpi mall announced that it will remain open for those seeking shelter. “SM City Legazpi will close early today but will accommodate anyone seeking safety from the typhoon,” said corporate spokesperson Claire Hariri. She added that the mall will allow overnight parking and has set up charging stations and help desks.

LCC Ayala Mall

Motorists along the Maharlika Highway, particularly in Baao and Nabua in Camarines Sur and Balangibang in Polangui, Albay, encountered impassable roads due to flooding. Flooding along the highway varies from knee-deep to six feet in some areas.

In Naga City, Mayor Nelson Legacion called for urgent assistance, as the city’s rescue operations were overwhelmed by high floodwaters. “Our city’s rescue operations are overwhelmed by the rising floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Kristine,” he posted on social media, appealing for additional trucks and equipment that can navigate floodwaters up to six feet deep.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a lahar advisory for Mayon Volcano on October 22, warning that the heavy rains could generate volcanic sediment flows or lahars along rivers and drainage areas near the volcano. Communities downstream are at risk of inundation and washouts.

Meanwhile, 37 houses in Barangay Panique, Caramoran, Catanduanes, were destroyed by strong winds. The provincial government of Albay declared a state of calamity on Tuesday afternoon due to widespread flooding, landslides, and the large number of affected families. Acting Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao called for the immediate evacuation of residents in high-risk areas.

In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol reported that over 3,000 people across the region had been evacuated. DSWD Bicol disaster response chief Claudio Villareal Jr. stated that 851 families, or 3,046 individuals, are currently staying in evacuation centers or with relatives. The agency has provided food packs and access to essential services for the evacuees.

As of this writing, authorities continue to conduct rescue operations, and provide shelter, food, and support to affected families across Bicol, with many local government units using their calamity funds for disaster response.