MANILA, Philippines - Residents of Cagayan de Oro City, hard-hit by typhoon “Sendong” last year, took no chances this time and fled their homes even before super typhoon “Pablo” could unleash its fury, leaving only a few men to watch over their belongings.
The Cagayan de Oro River, which claimed hundreds of lives during Sendong, this time appeared deserted.
The river swelled at 2 p.m. yesterday, flooding houses along the river banks. The water was rampaging as it did during Sendong, but not as high.
As of 8 a.m. yesterday, 70 percent of the city was without power after the Cagayan de Oro Light and Power Co. decided to cut supply when Pablo toppled electric posts.