Tropical Storm Ramon displaces thousands in Bicol

SAN PEDRO CITY—Close to 4,000 people were forced to evacuate due to widespread flooding as Tropical Storm Ramon (international name: Kalmaegi) pummeled the Bicol region, particularly in the province of Camarines Sur, while heavy rains triggered flash floods in Odiongan town in Romblon province on Friday.

Throughout the region, 2,928 passengers were stranded, most of whom were in Matnog in Sorsogon going to Samar. Sea travel in Matnog port, where 2,231 passengers were stranded, have resumed, the town’s disaster risk reduction and management office told the Inquirer on Friday.

A total of 1,016 families or 3,827 persons were displaced and brought to different evacuation centers in the region.

Some 58 villages throughout the region were submerged in flood.

The flood in Odiongan affected at least three villages—Tuburan, Dapawan and Bangon, according to the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO).

Drowned

Edgar Solano from the MDRRMO said heavy rains started around 3 a.m., causing streams and rivers to swell and spill over to the main roads. Floodwaters had gone up to waist, to chest-high, he said.

In Naga City, where heavy rains caused rivers to swell, Jose Chavez, 64, was found dead floating on a river in Barangay Pacol by resident Saysay Asaytono while looking for wood at 12 noon on Friday.

Police report indicated that the victim, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, left his home at 3 a.m. on Thursday. Investigation revealed that he was walking by the riverside when he slipped and drowned.

Classes in Camarines Norte remained suspended while classes in other Bicol provinces resumed on Friday after the onslaught of Ramon.

4 flights canceled

Six houses in Caranan village in Pasacao town in Camarines Sur were damaged by flooding, while two houses were damaged by landslide in Mananao village in Tinambac town, also in Camarines Sur, according to the Office of Civil Defense Bicol.

The villages of Tinanguihan and Malansad Viejo in the town of Libmanan experienced knee-deep floods.

In Manila, four flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) were canceled on Friday due to bad weather brought by Ramon.

Canceled were Skyjet flight M8-816 to Basco, Batanes, Cebgo flight DG-6113 to Naga City, and their return trips.

The Manila International Airport Authority, operator of Naia, advised air travelers, particularly those heading to the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon this weekend, to check with their airlines for flight cancellations, delays and rebooking or refunding options.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Ramon had maintained its strength and was moving slowly over the Philippine Sea off northeastern Luzon.

On red alert

Disaster response officials in Cagayan Valley were placed on red alert status in preparation for Ramon, which is forecast to bring heavy rains and trigger floods and landslides in north Luzon.

Sections of a mountain slope in Sta. Ana town, Cagayan province, on Friday collapsed due to torrential rains dumped by Ramon.

Classes in preschool were suspended in Peñablanca and Baggao towns, which have been placed under Signal No. 1 on Friday.

A spillway gate of Magat Dam was opened on Thursday to release 200 cubic meters per second of water in anticipation of heavy downpour over the reservoir’s watershed areas.

Warning devices installed from Magat down to Gamu town have been activated to alarm the residents near the river to prepare and evacuate.

In Nueva Vizcaya, classes on Friday were canceled in public schools at all levels to ensure safety of students.

Isabela and Quirino officials had earlier suspended Friday classes at all levels.

Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua has ordered the temporary closure of Landingan Viewpoint and Diamond Cave, both in Nagtipunan town, as the Katimbang road leading to the tourist spots are prone to landslides.

No-sail and no-fishing policy have been hoisted while a liquor ban has been in effect in the provinces of Isabela and Aurora.