Heavy rains flood parts of Mimaropa, thousands forced to evacuate

SAN PEDRO CITY, Philippines — Flooding caused by heavy rain forced thousands of residents in several areas in the Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (Mimaropa) region to evacuate to higher ground.

According to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, most of the areas affected were in the towns of Baco, Bongabong, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Naujan, San Teodoro, Socorro, and Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro, with floodwater reaching as high as 3.2 feet.

In Baco town, the Mangangan and Bayanan rivers overflowed and flooded the villages of Mayabig, Alag, Catwiran, and Burbuli.

Meanwhile, the number of evacuees in the region has increased to 434 families (1,823 individuals) as of Sunday.

In Marinduque, Michelle Sanchez, 20, was hurt after a tree fell on her house in Gasan town.

Three other houses were reported as damaged in Gasan, Marinduque and another one in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.

In Marinduque, 49 families (129 individuals) in Barangay Bachao Ilaya in Gasan and 20 families (76 individuals) in Mogpog were evacuated.

Meanwhile, 52 families (239 individuals) were also evacuated from their homes in Barangay Balaguen, Magsaysay, Palawan. /muf