STA. CRUZ, Laguna—Three days after a river here overflowed at 3 a.m. of Oct. 31, when Typhoon “Santi” passed by Laguna, rescuers were still evacuating families in this administrative center of the province and one of the worst hit in the Southern Tagalog region.

Not only did the Laguna Lake overflow, but water from nearby mountains caused flash floods and submerged the town’s plaza and business center.

According to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), Santi displaced 18,812 families as of Nov. 3 and placed 23 barangays under water. Storm “Ondoy,” which struck on Sept. 25, displaced 7,000 families from 12 barangays.

At least 634 houses were destroyed while 2,513 houses were damaged by Santi. Three died and one was missing.

Floods in some areas reached more than six-feet deep, MSWD officer Lucille de Leon said.

At least 12 barangays, including the public market, still have no electricity, she said.

Sta, Cruz, 87 kilometers from Manila, is a first-class municipality that has been the seat of the provincial government since 1885. It is a center for transportation, commerce, health, education and social services for the predominantly rural northeastern municipalities of Laguna.

River overflowed

Mayor Ariel Magcalas said clearing operations to remove mud in the streets were continuing.

Because water came unexpected in the early hours, market vendors and businesses were unable to move their wares to higher ground.
Fruits, vegetables and even pigs floated in floods and were swept away by the river current.

Marisol Sunga, owner of a clothes boutique near the market, said water and mud that entered her store damaged at least 2,000 pieces of clothes.

Jun Acuin, owner of a furniture and appliance store, placed his losses at P500,000. “The wood cabinets submerged in water could no longer be sold because the wood bloated and deformed.”

Tess Garibay said 40 to 50 sacks of her rice were soaked in water. She said all 36 rice dealers in the public market were suffering.
With roads leading to the market still muddy and some portions still under water, vendors displayed their wares in street corners and sidewalks.

“What is sad is that the buyers no longer come to the market so our sales now are suffering,” Garibay said.

Bridge destroyed

Meat vendors set up temporary stalls at the plaza while those selling dry goods have occupied a vacant lot since Monday. Fish vendors start selling at night until 7 a.m.

The rampaging Sta. Cruz River also destroyed a bridge connecting the town center to at least three barangays, which used to be accessible by tricycle. Residents either have to travel the longer route going to the poblacion or cross the river by banca and then ride a tricycle, making them spend more for daily transportation.

Aaron Aguihon, a senior year high school student, said he now had to take at least two banca rides and a tricycle ride to get to school. Banca drivers collect P3 per passenger.

Mayor Magcalas said his main concern now are the 25 evacuation centers where 7,000 people were evacuated.

He said the town was in dire need of relief goods since those meant for Ondoy had been distributed already. Clarice Colting-Pulumbarit, Inquirer Southern Luzon