Vicky brings heavy rains, flooding to Agusan Sur areas

A driver pushes his tricycle after its engine shut off on a flooded street in San Francisco town, Agusan del Sur. ERWIN MASCARINAS

SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR—At least four towns and a city in Agusan del Sur province were flooded due to relentless rains brought by Tropical Depression Vicky on Friday (Dec. 18).

The heavy rains came just before daybreak and continued for more than eight hours, sending some rivers swelling and flooding communities.

The floodwaters were from knee-deep to ceiling-high. As of 3 p.m. on Friday, no one was reported hurt in the floods.

Those hit by floods were Bayugan City and the towns of San Francisco, Rosario, Santa Josefa and Trento.

Children play on a flooded street in San Francisco town, Agusan del Sur. ERWIN MASCARINAS

Rescuers continue to evacuate people in the evening amid a brownout.

On Friday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued an orange rainfall warning for Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Sur provinces.

This was elevated to a red warning in the afternoon and included, by then, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Bukidnon provinces.

Apart from heavy rainfall, the NDRRMC also warned against possible flood and landslides as a result of heavy rains.

‘Vicky’ is expected to enter the Visayas region early on Saturday (Dec. 19).

TSB