2 dead, 3 missing from strong winds, floods in Bicol

At least 2 were found dead while 3 remained missing as strong rain and wind continued to affect the Bicol region since New Year’s Eve.

Gremil Nas, Office of Civil Defense regional spokesman identified the two fatalities as Edwin Ceciliano, 48, of Barangay 2, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur; and Honel Monterde Medinilla, 28, of Sitio Dangray, Abucay, Pilar, Sorsogon.

Ceciliano lost his balance while crossing the bridge en route to their residence and was swept by a strong current of water, Nas said. The victim’s body was retrieved last January 2.

Monterde, on the other hand, was swept by floods. His body was retrieved also on January 2.

Nas clarified that a reported casualty in Canaman, Camarines Sur was not related to the weather disturbance as per the latest situational report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in Camarines dated January 3.

 Aside from two casualties, the OCD Bicol also reported 3 missing persons brought by the tail end of the cold front here.

Nas said that two unidentified fishermen from Garchitorena, Camarines Sur were reported missing since December 30.

“The fishermen went to the open sea last December 30, 2020, and have not returned yet as of to date. A 13-year-old boy from Barangay Managanaga, Bulan, Sorsogon was also reported missing,” Nas said.

Landslides and powerful waves

Lucy Cataneda, Department of Public Works and Highways regional spokesperson, said that as of 1 am Sunday, January 3, the Sagñay-Tiwi road was totally closed for all types of vehicles due to landslides.

Lahar may also affect the low-lying areas of Guinobatan specifically in barangays San Francisco and San Rafael due to torrential rain. While the road network in Sitio Tagbakan in Estanza Legazpi City collapsed due to heavy downpour for several days now.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical and Services Administration (PAGASA) also prohibited the fishermen and small boats from venturing into the sea. – Rappler.com