MANILA, Philippines - Around 20,000 people have been brought to various evacuation centers in Cavite as the heavy downpour triggered massive flooding in the province, an official said on Monday.
Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said rescue operations were ongoing for the stranded people in worst-hit towns of Kawit, Imus, Noveleta, Tanza and Rosario towns.
Remulla also said that the only casualty recorded in the province was in Barangay Tres Cruses, Tanza where two persons were swept by raging water current after an old irrigation dam gave way due to continuous downpour since Sunday night.
Remulla said rescuers have yet to recover the body of Jonnie Gonzales, 15, who was below the dam area when the structure broke loose.
The body of another victim, Jonel Gampan, 34, had been retrieved.
"Hindi sila magkamag-anak," the governor said, clarifying initial radio reports that two children swept by the cascading water from the dam were relatives.
Meanwhile, Remulla said the provincial government is set to relocate some 7,000 families from danger zones, such as riverbanks and creeks, to attain a zero-casualty during massive flooding.