Floods hit Philippines areas: 1 dead

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rain brought by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), shear line and low-pressure areas has caused widespread flooding across the country during the holidays, with one fatality reported in Eastern Samar, the Office of Civil Defense said yesterday.

The OCD said the combined effects of the weather systems have submerged several areas in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Davao region since Dec. 8.

The fatality, whose name was not immediately available, drowned in Borongan, the OCD said.

Calabarzon has been severely affected by the bad weather, with 10 areas in Quezon province still flooded as of yesterday.  

The OCD said a road section in Real town is impassable to all types of vehicles.

The agency described the situation in Mimaropa as “dire,” with 30 areas in Oriental Mindoro and Palawan still flooded.

Up to 10,021 families or 48,598 people have been displaced by floods in Mimaropa.

Authorities noted damage to infrastructure, but all seaports have resumed operations and no stranded passengers were recorded in the region. 

The OCD said the municipality of Baco in Oriental Mindoro has declared a state of calamity. Food packs and relief assistance worth P1.7 million have been distributed to affected families.

In Bicol, 33 areas are reeling from flooding, with 154 families or 678 people staying in 10 evacuation centers.

The OCD said that flooding in Eastern Visayas affected 199,364 people and destroyed at least 18 houses. Clearing operations are ongoing as landslides hit several areas in the region.

In Davao region, floods have been reported in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, with the Mana Bridge in Malita impassable to all types of vehicles.

Power interruptions have been reported in Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.

Rain warnings due to the ITCZ have been issued for several areas in Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro.

The OCD gave assurance that it is monitoring the situation and coordinating with local disaster response teams to assist affected communities. — Edith Regalado