PILI, CAMARINES SUR, April 12 (PIA)—Fifteeen (15) barangays across eight (8) municipalities in Camarines Sur, reported flooding several hours before the impact of Tropical Depression “Amang” was felt in the province.

The municipalities of Magarao, Calabanga, Pili, and Minalabac in the 3rd District of Camarines Sur and LGUs Buhi, Baao, and  Bula in the 4th District of the province, experienced flooding at around noontime today, April 12, except Bombon, which experienced the rise of floodwater at 4AM.

As of press time, areas which are not passable to light vehicles include Brgy.San Roque road in Bombon; Zones 5 and Tabog in Sta. Lucia road in Magarao; Siramag and Luluasan spillways in Balatan; spillways in Salay to Sta. Justina, Monte Calvario and San Pedro in Buhi; and Pugay spillway in Baao, all in Camarines Sur.

The heavy flooding also forced some residents to evacuate and move to safer places.  As of 3PM today, 14 families (58 individuals) from Bombon, Calabanga and Magarao temporarily stayed at various evacuation centers to ensure the safety of their families.

Passengers bound to the neighboring municipalities who needed to cross the sea were not also allowed to board the sea craft, following Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte’s issuance of NO SAILING Policy. This resulted to 29 stranded passengers in Pasacao Port and 16 in Tamban port in Tinambac, Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, 14 students in Garchitorena were also stranded after Gov. Villafuerte also issued the suspension of classes.

They were all assisted by the concerned MDRRMOs and ensured that they were given the necessary assistance.

Most of the LGUs also issued localized suspension and activated their respective Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in line with the red alert status raised by the PDRRMC. 

PDRRMC through Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) Chief Luzena Bermeo continues to monitor tropical cyclone bulletins and Bicol River daily Hydrological Forecasts issued by DOST PAG ASA in case there are advisories that need to be disseminated to the MDRRMOs for immediate action.  (PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Photo cover credits II MDRRMO Bombon (Brgy. San Roque / PDRRMC/EDMERO