Farmer killed as flash floods hit Dipolog City

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A night of heavy rains triggered flash floods and mudslides in Dipolog City Friday, leaving a farmer dead and a police officer missing, authorities said.

A hundred families in two villages in this port city also had to evacuate after heavy rains caused rivers in Barangays San Jose Gusu and Manicahan to overflow.

According to the regional police command, the heavy rainfall swelled the Dipolog River, washing away at least two houses on its banks.

The rampaging floodwaters spawned a mudslide in Barangay Diwan, burying a farmer alive in his home.

PO4 Orland Villavito, who came to the rescue of local folk, was reported missing in Barangay Punto. — Roel Pareño