Heavy rains bring floods in Aklan, Capiz

MANILA, Philippines - Heavy rains caused by the prevailing low pressure area over western Visayas have triggered widespread flooding in the provinces of Aklan and Capiz.

As of yesterday, nine towns and 58 villages were still inundated, affecting agriculture and fisheries, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

“Flooding and landslides were reported in the two provinces, forcing thousands of families to evacuate,” NDRRMC executive director and Office of Civil Defense administrator Benito Ramos said.

Landslides were reported in Sitio Bangbang, Barangay Kalizo in Balete town; Barangays Balaktasan and Luguhon in Maladag town; Barangay Lapnag in Banga town; and along the national road in Barangay Panayakan, Tangalan town.

A certain Nemia Cuales was reported buried alive while one Efren Cuales sustained injuries in the landslide in Sitio Bangbang.

The national highway from Balete to Kalibao and Banga towns was closed to all types of vehicles due to the flooding.

As of press time, there was no electricity in six villages in Balete town as floodwaters caused electric posts to topple.

In neighboring Capiz province, severely hit by flooding were the towns of Jamindan, Sigma, Mambusao, Maayon, Dumarao and Dumalag. – With Helen Flores