Tuguegarao after Lando: We didn’t know floods would be head-high

CAGAYAN, Philippines – They started going home from evacuation centers on Wednesday, October 21, but residents of Tuguegarao City have yet to recover from the trauma of what they called the worst flooding that happened in the city.

After Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu) had left, about 10 villages and 5 schools were still flooded, said Mayor Jefferson Soriano. 

Twenty-three villages were submerged in head-high floodwaters on Sunday, October 18, the day Lando made landfall in Aurora province but battered surrounding provinces as well. (READ: Trapped residents seek help as floods rise in Tuguegarao)

The city council of Tuguegarao passed a resolution Tuesday declaring the city under state of calamity due to flooding. 

Most of the residents were unable to save their appliances and furniture before they fled because the floodwater rushed quickly into their homes.

Boyet Berme, a resident of Centro 10, lost his 3 pigs during the onslaught of Typhoon Lando. His house was half-submerged by the flood on Sunday dawn.

Some residents – just starting to clean up their houses – complained that they were not advised that the flood would go as high as their roof.

Boyet Aro said they were not told by officials that the Magat Dam would release great amounts of water. He said they could’ve prepared more.

But Aro said he is still thankful that no one from his family was put in danger. 

He said they would rebuild their house together, as a family, but he pleaded with government to help them.

Most residents said they already received relief goods, while some complained that not a single pack have reached them.

Corn, rice, and vegetable crops have also been destroyed by the flood.

About P36 million damage in agriculture and 5,000 affected farmers have been initially reported by the city accountant. (READ: Damage from Typhoon Lando soars to P6B)

No casualty was reported in the city.­ (READ: Typhoon Lando: Death toll climbs to 41) – Rappler.com