President Marcos promises aid to victims: Carmen flashflood kills at least 6 people; 1 missing

CEBU, Philippines — At least six people have been confirmed dead while one remained missing as 10 others were rescued after a pickup truck they were riding on got swept away by flashflood in Barangay Lower Natimao-an, Carmen town in northern Cebu Monday afternoon, July 8, 2024.

The fatalities were identified as Arshane Bejoc, 11; Rhesamie Ypil-Costan, 26; Elmer Costan, 25; Aishie Hermoso,12; Nathaniel Lozano, 12; and Clarrise Ypil, 13.

As of last night, 15-year-old Mike Stanley Tungal remains missing.

Those who were rescued immediately after the incident were Princess Ann Ypil, 11; Ranilo Hermoso, 44; Debie Hermoso, 40; Ainsley Hermoso; Jojelyn Tungal, 39; Mary Jaica Tungal,14; May Stephanie Tungal, 14; Queen Nicole Sencio, 14; Jasmine Gica, 37; and Athea Gica, 4.

Except for Bejoc, whose body was immediately recovered Monday night, the other fatalities were found Tuesday in the shores of Catmon, Cebu by the joint search and rescue team of Carmen, Catmon, and Danao City.

The victims were on their way home passing along a river spillway after attending a celebration in a resort in Barangay Cantumog also of Carmen town when the water surge swept away the vehicle they were riding on.

Those who survived reportedly managed to escape by breaking the windshield of the vehicle and climb onto a rock in the middle of the river until the rescuers came.

Carmen town Mayor Carlo Villamor cautioned the residents, especially those living along the riverbanks, not to be complacent during inclement weather.

“Unusual kaayo ning nahitabo karon. Gamay kaayong creek ug natimingan sa kusog na bunok nga tubig… Dangerous nato nga lugar jud especially karon na climate change nakakusog najud og maayo ang tubig,” Villamor said.

Villamor said those who survived the tragedy will undergo a psychosocial intervention at the Rural Health Unit (RHU).

After learning the tragedy, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. promised that assistance will be given to the families of the victims.

“Rest assured national and local governments are closely working to bring speedy help to those who are affected by the heavy,” Marcos said.

The president said he already directed the Office of the President and the Department of Social Welfare Development “to provide assistance to the local government units affected by the flooding.”

Meanwhile, 10 houses were totally damaged while 71 others, including a factory site, were partially damaged after a tornado hit Liloan town on Monday amid the heavy downpour.

There were no casualties recorded. However, 33 families have been evacuated to Liloan Central School.

In sitio Happy Valley, Barangay Candaguit, Sibonga southern Cebu, a rock slide was reported due to heavy rain also last Monday.

Two families have evacuated and are temporarily placed at Candaguit Elementary School.

As of yesterday morning, rocks were still falling on the road. Barangay tanods of Mangyan and Candaguit were assigned to safeguard the area.

As of this writing, the road is still impassable. The road closure was assessed by Sibonga DRRMO responders. They have advised the residents heading to Mangyan and Sayao to avoid the

Candaguit to Mangyan—Sayao road for their safety.

Residents are advised to take an alternative road in Sabang—Guimbangco-an to Mangyan.

On the other hand, in Dalaguete town, a portion of the road collapsed in Barangay Manlapay

due to continuous rain on Monday.

Four households located near the collapsed road reported that they also showed signs of cracks and ground movements.

The DRRM office and the barangay has advised the 16 individuals of the four households to

temporarily transfer to their nearest relative.

PAGASA Mactan chief, Eng. Al Quiblat, told The Freeman that in the next 5 days Cebu will generally have fair weather, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with high chance of isolated rain

showers and/or thunderstorms most likely in the early morning, late afternoon and evening.

The PAGASA Mactan chief also said that there is a low chance of Low Pressure Area (LPA) in the

Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) for the next five days.

“Low chance of LPA or Tropical Cyclone or bagyo in the PAR for the next 5 days” said Quiblat. — (FREEMAN)