Flash flood displaces 270 families in north Cebu

CEBU CITY––Over 270 families were affected by a flash flood that ravaged several villages in Sogod town, north Cebu Monday evening.

The sudden gush of floodwaters from a swollen river damaged several houses and establishments, especially in Damolog village.

Disaster management officer Maria Helena Zamora said the heavy downpour started past 5 p.m.

Residents recalled heavy thunderclaps and lightning that accompanied the rains.

About an hour later, floodwaters about waist deep entered houses and business establishments and sari-sari stores.

Scared residents went to the nearby sports complex and at the St. James the Apostle Parish for safety.

The disaster management officer said no casualties were reported from the flash flood that lasted over an hour.

Other areas affected include Bawo, Poblacion, and Ibabao.

Some residents of Sogod posted on Facebook their pleas for help when the flood rose.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia visited the affected residents Tuesday morning to deliver relief goods.

The affected families will also receive P20,000 financial assistance.

Sogod town is located 61 kilometers north of Cebu City or about a two-hour drive from the province’s capital.

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