MANILA, Philippines – After two days of search and rescue operations, rescuers found on Tuesday, June 7, the bodies of two persons who were swept away by a flash flood on Sunday in Majayjay, Laguna.
The Philippine Red Cross told Rappler that the body of Bryan Alemania was found in the river of nearby Magdalena town at around 11:30 am while Vanessa Carillo’s body was sighted in Barangay Bakia, Majayjay around 3:20 pm of Tuesday, June 7.
Both victims were reported missing on Sunday together with Alemania’s daughter, Christine Althea, whose body was found earlier on Monday.
All three victims were staying at the Dalitiwan Resort in Majayjay when the incident happened.
A video of the flash flood was posted on Facebook. The video was taken at the Dalitiwan Resort and shows people rescuing three tourists trapped in the middle of fast-moving brown water.
Wet season
The Red Cross also reported the flash flood injured another unidentified 39-year old tourist from Morong, Rizal who sustained minor bruises. The victim was rushed to the Majayjay District Hospital but was discharged.
On May 24, PAGASA announced that start of the wet season, warning the public to prepare for the La Niña phenomenon, which could bring intense rains to the country. The Philippines also faces the threat of more typhoons, particularly in the last quarter of 2016. – Rappler.com
Agos: What to do in case of a flash flood?
Flash floods can occur suddenly and without warning, so it’s best to always be alert.
Before going into the water, get the advice from locals if it is safe to swim. Be aware of the weather. It only needs to rain heavily upstream for a flash flood to occur.
At the first sign of fast moving and fast rising water, get out of the water immediately and seek higher ground. Call for help.
Don’t take unnecessary risks, especially in the rainy season. Be alert. Be prepared. Go to www.rappler.com/agos for more information.
Adrian Jimenea is a Rappler Intern from UP Visayas.
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