Floods claim 5 lives in N. Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — Five children were killed in flash floods and mudslides triggered by incessant rains in eight towns in Northern Samar.

The rains spawned by easterly winds caused floods starting last Friday in the municipalities of Bobon, San Roque, Mondragon, Pambujan, Las Navas, Lope de Vega, Catubig and the capital town of Catarman.

Chief Superintendent Eliseo de la Paz, regional police director and chairman of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council, said three of the five fatalities were victims of landslides in Barangay Nenita, Mondragon town.

He said the two others drowned in floods that swept through San Roque and Bobon towns.

De la Paz, however, could not immediately provide the names of the five fatalities.

He said rampaging floodwaters washed away at least 15 houses in San Roque and Bobon.

The flash floods, reaching four to five feet high, affected nearly 40 barangays in Northern Samar, he said.

De la Cruz said affected families were evacuated starting last Friday after three days of continuous rains.

He said the skies cleared yesterday morning but locals, especially those living on riverbanks, were advised to be on alert for more floodings.

Meanwhile, Rey Gozon, administrative officer of the regional Office of Civil Defense, said the flash floods displaced 4,921 families or 26,080 people in 37 barangays.

Gozon said these families sought temporary refuge at the Catarman Cathedral, schools and military camps, although some have safely returned to their homes as floodwaters began to subside.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, meanwhile, advised motorists that the roads in Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay and Lapinig were still impassable.