FLOODS, WHIRLWIND, AND THUNDERSTORM DAMAGES IN CEBU AND QUEZON

Natural hazards hit the towns of Cebu and Quezon causing damage to lives and property (Photo courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Whirlwinds and floods caused damages in some areas in Cebu and lightning in Quezon. Four individuals died in separate unexpected natural hazards incidents. Three bodies have been found after a pickup truck was washed away by a strong current of water in a creek in barangay Natimao-an, Carmen Cebu. 

According to the town's Disaster and Risk Management Office, of the 17 individuals onboard the pickup truck, 10 were rescued; the majority of them were trapped in the truck when it got stuck in a rock in the middle of the river. 

The pickup truck that the victims were riding with 14 individuals was crossing the creek after attending a wedding. But the driver did not expect the overflow of the creek brought by the heavy rains. Ten were rescued while the local government continues to search for four others.

"It rained so hard that the creek overflowed to the road, there was no other way. The total length of the area is around six kilometers radar, there is no indication or sign that the victims are there. We will start our coastline search, upstream-downstream, downstream-upstream search,” Carmen DRRMO stated. 

Later that night, search and rescue operations stopped because the rescuers' safety was risked. It was also stated that the rescued victims were getting care since they had been traumatized as a result of the disaster.

Following the recorded thunderstorm advisory in Cebu, a whirlwind destroyed 11 houses in the town of Liloan and with the strength of the whirlwind, an electric cable was broken. No one was hurt in the incident and the affected residents are staying in the evacuation center. 

A barangay officer who was suspected to have been struck by lightning in Barangay Casasahan Ibaba Gumaca Quezon is dead, the officer was said to have fed its animals in the field when he was found dead. He has an electric burn on his right arm based on the police report.

Source: GMA Integrated News 

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]