Storm surge destroys houses in Surigao del Norte

MATI CITY, Philippines – At least 13 houses were destroyed by a storm surge in the province of Surigao del Norte on Saturday evening, January 18.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Gilbert Gonzales said the incident happened in the coastal village of Alambique in the town of Gigaquit. No casualties were reported as of posting.

However, a fisherman identified as Zosimo Roma from Barangay Poblacion, General Luna has gone missing while fishing since Friday, January 17.

As of 6 in the evening on Sunday, January 19, 3,609 families have already evacuated in several towns in the province.

The most heavily affected areas are the towns of Claver and Gigaquit.

Almost all municipalities in the mainland area of the province are flooded, Gonzales said.

Landslides were also reported in the villages of Panatao and Urbiztondo in the municipality of Claver.

“Evacuation operations are still ongoing with the assistance of rescue groups, PNP and AFP,” Gonzales said. – Rappler.com