Bohol towns flooded

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  — Non-stop heavy rains over the entire province for the past three days have left several towns underwater but there were no report on the extent of damages so far.

Governor Edgar Chatto yesterday convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in an emergency meeting to assess the situation and flooding that threatened low-lying areas and those near rivers, and rice fields.

Quoting town officials report, Chatto said that in Sagbayan town, the municipal hall and public market were flooded for the first time.

There was a report that a landslide occurred along the national highway in eastern coastal town, but this was not immediately confirmed. Also, the highway connecting Tubigon and Catigbian towns was reportedly blocked by a landslide.

Flooding in the towns of Candijay, Guindulman and Alicia were also reported but still no available data on damages or human injuries.

Warning was also raised to residents of Loay town and those along the bank of Loboc River that started to overflow more than a foot high. The famous Loboc river cruising for tourists has been suspended because of this situation.

The governor raised the emergency alert for hospitals and told the meeting of the group of medical doctors here yesterday to be prepared at any time in case there are medical emergencies.

He also issued travel advisory to all commuters on their way home to take safer routes than those prone to flooding.

The governor further requested PAGASA to relay to him an hourly update, after the agency lately issued a statement that downpour would continue through the coming days.

The provincial quick response team, consisting of personnel of provincial government offices and national government agencies, has been dispatched by Chatto to evaluate the extent of the calamity and provide, when necessary, assistance to those in need. (FREEMAN)