Silay flood death toll rises to 5

BACOLOD CITY — Two more persons from Silay City were reported to have died due to the flash flood that hit the area Monday, bringing the death toll to five.

At least 25,440 residents have fled to higher grounds because of the flood.

The body of Amy Cantanilla was found at the Antonio Luna Street while that of Sergio Gonzaga, 64, of Brgy. 4, was still inside his house that was swept away by heavy floods. Police reported that Gonzaga refused to leave his house even when it was already being dragged by strong current.

The other fatalities were Roda Salva, 10, and her mother Majorie who were pinned by the firewall of the New Silay City Lumber which collapsed. Mercidita Dadog, 58, on the other hand died of a stroke.

The Silay City Council has already declared the city as calamity area and ordered the immediate release of a P3-million calamity fund. — Antonieta Lopez