Misamis Oriental declares state of calamity over Seniang

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – A state of calamity has been declared in the province of Misamis Oriental Monday, December 29, as Tropical Storm Seniang continues to threaten Northern Mindanao.

According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), at least 2,080 families or 8,951 residents are staying in evacuation centers in several towns in the province.

The provincial government has requested a rescue helicopter to evacuate 30 persons trapped on the roof of their homes in Sta Ana, Tagoloan. The area is currently not accessible by rubber boats.

Initial reports also said that houses and properties were inundated and swept away by floodwater in Tagaloan town. Rice fields with an estimated value of P405,000 were damaged by the flooding in Barangay Cabacungan in Claveria town.

In Lagonglong town, floodwaters have made the the national highway in Barangay Dampi impassable. A bus is still stranded in the area, the Misamis Oriental PIA said.

The Mambayaan bridge in the town of Balingasag is also impassable after the raging waters of the Balatucan River damaged its approach.  

In Cagayan de Oro City, pre-emptive evacuation was ordered by the local government in flood-prone areas. 

All flights were also cancelled at the Laguindingan International Airport, the PIA said.

1 dead, 1 missing

A resident died while another is still missing after they being swept away by swollen rivers in the province of Compostela Valley.

The body of a 65-year-old resident was recovered after he was swept away by the raging waters in Monkayo town on Sunday afternoon, December 28. Another resident is still missing after he was swept away by a river in Compostela town.

At least 100 families are presently staying in several evacuation centers in the province after floods and landslides hit the towns of Compostela, Nabunturan, New Bataan and Monkayo.

In the province of Surigao del Sur, about 2,428 families or 12,140 residents have already evacuated from the towns of Hinatuan, Bayabas, Cagwait, Carrascal, San Miguel, Lanuza, Marihatag and Tandag City. 

Tandag City mayor Roxanne Pimentel earlier declared work suspension as forced evacuation was immediately implemented in coastal villages and flood-prone areas.  

Meanwhile, the Buhisan detour bridge in San Agustin was declared impassable on Sunday morning as the water level continued to rise, damaging the structure, said PDRRMO Abel de Guzman.

In Agusan del Norte, hundreds of families have already evacuated as floods hit several towns in the province.