Residents in landslide-prone area urged to evacuate

By Ana-Liza S. Macatanga

LEGAZPI CITY --- Local authorities have urged residents in flood-and landslide-prone areas of Camarines Sur to evacuate after state weather bureau PAGASA issued a “Yellow” alert due to heavy rain affecting most parts of the province.

Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte, chairperson of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), has directed local officials and response teams to assist in evacuation efforts.

PAGASA has warned that the heavy rainfall will continue until Tuesday, January 14.

“MDRRMOs [municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices] have reported flooding incidents and the continuous rise of water level across several major rivers. PAGASA said that moderate to heavy rains will persist until Tuesday. This weather condition is feared to cause flooding in urbanized, low-lying areas and those near rivers, as well as induce landslides in moderate to highly susceptible areas,” the governor said.

Barangays Sumaoy, La Purisima, and Bahao in the coastal town of Siruma are bracing for severe flooding due to persistent heavy rain over the past few days.

The Ason-Bahi River is currently impassable for all vehicles, and motorists are strongly advised against crossing the Sob-ong River because of its strong current.

Additionally, a landslide incident has been reported in Barangay Ayugao in Presentacion town, affecting a family of four, who have since been relocated to a safer area by responding teams.

Flooding has also impacted residential areas in Zone 3 Pagsangaan, affecting 11 families.

As of the latest update, 57 families and 228 individuals from the municipalities of Sañgay, Presentacion, and Buhi are currently in evacuation centers.

Flooding has also been reported in Libmanan, Pamplona, Caramoan, Goa, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sañgay, San Jose, Buhi, and Nabua municipalities. (PIA 5)