Shear line triggers flooding and landslides in Eastern Visayas, prompting evacuations, sea travel cancellations, and class suspensions across the region.
Relentless rains have been affecting Eastern Visayas since yesterday, leading to widespread disruptions, including the suspension of sea travel, classes, and work in various parts of the region.
In Calbiga, Samar, authorities and residents are closely monitoring a river that may overflow and cause severe flooding.
The Bureau of Fire Protection conducted a rescue operation in Brgy. San Luis, Taft, Eastern Samar, after floodwaters reached chest level, trapping a family inside their home.
According to data from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, 14 barangays in the area are already submerged in floodwaters.
Other parts of Tacloban City were also inundated, including the Nula-Tula-Tigbao junction, the entryway to the city via Marasbaras, and the road connecting Sta. Fe, Leyte, to Tacloban.
In Brgy. San Miguel, San Julian, Eastern Samar, floodwaters entered households, further worsening the situation.
San Miguel, Leyte, was among the municipalities that implemented evacuations due to flooding and landslides caused by the continuous downpour.
According to San Miguel, Leyte Mayor Atty. Norman Sabdao, a force evacuation was immediately enforced in affected barangays, with 32 families currently staying in evacuation centers, and numbers expected to rise in the coming hours.
Sabdao added that the San Miguel to Babatngon road was temporarily impassable due to landslides, but clearing operations were promptly conducted, making it accessible again.
No casualties or damaged homes were reported in the landslide-hit areas.
Sabdao added that the San Miguel to Babatngon road was temporarily impassable, but they immediately conducted clearing operations, making it passable for motorists.
The mayor assured that family food packs were on standby to assist affected residents.
Aside from food and hygiene kits, the local government is also providing free health services, check-ups, and medication.
Sabdao admitted that the floods would significantly impact the agricultural sector, with an estimated P3 million in damages to farmlands.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 8 has begun preparing for further effects of the shear line, with 127,928 family food packs and 31,385 non-food items worth over P128 million on standby, along with a P2-million emergency fund.