CEBU, Philippines - After a whole day of non-stop rain, several areas in Talisay City were submerged in floodwater, causing panic to some residents.
“Wa gyud mi katug kay nisaka naman ang tubig. Simbako mahitabo diri ang nahitabo didto sa Mindanao,” related Analyn Abaquita, a resident of sitio Palanggana, barangay San Roque.
Analyn’s house was among those submerged by flood water in flood-prone sitio Palanggana.
Councilor Rodi Cabigas, chairman on council committee on infrastructure, said they have already considered the area as one of the most affected by the continuous rain which started Tuesday morning.
He said since last Tuesday, a team from his office and the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council were already on “stand by” to monitor areas affected by the rains.
Cabigas also said a portion of barangay Bulacao (near Sandy Milling Corp.) and barangay Tabunok were flooded Tuesday afternoon, but the floodwater had subsided when rain stopped, thus making these areas safe for vehicular traffic.
“Gasige pa gihapon ta og monitor aning mga lugara labi na wap-a gyud mihunong ang uwan,” said the councilor.
The villages of Poblacion, Dumlog, Cansojong, and Lagtang also suffered the same fate. Residents, as usual, blame the city’s lack of a drainage system.
Cabigas said he hopes that by the first quarter of 2012 the city can start addressing this problem.
Meanwhile, the councilor said all barangay chiefs were already ordered to remain vigilant in their respective areas in case there is a need to evacuate residents.
Cabigas said families living along the riverbanks were already told to evacuate as soon as they notice the rise of the water level.
Barangay chief Pedring Cabiluna was also told to be ready to act, his area being landslide-prone, said Cabigas. (FREEMAN)