Floods, landslides force evacuation in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY — At least 128 people were evacuated, while classes in public and private schools were suspended on Thursday (Jan. 5) due to the threats of flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains in the Bicol region.

Gremil Alexis Naz, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol spokesperson, said the displaced residents belonging to 40 families were evacuated from the flooded villages in Calabanga and Tinambac towns in Camarines Sur.

Naz said 23 areas were flooded in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon provinces due to continuous rains that started on Wednesday.

A rain-induced landslide was reported in Barangay San Francisco, Casiguran town in Sorsogon, while seven local road sections were unpassable due to overflowing water in Camarines provinces.

Camarines Sur Gov. Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte has ordered suspension of classes at all levels.

In Naga City, classes in pre-school to senior high school were suspended.

Classes were also suspended in Talisay and Daet towns in Camarines Norte and Virac in Catanduanes.

In Albay, classes were suspended in Legazpi City, Camalig, Bacacay, Daraga, and Guinobatan.

City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal placed the emergency operations center on high alert and advised village officials to conduct a pre-emptive localized evacuation, as needed.

Some towns warned residents to avoid crossing rivers and creeks due to possible flooding. INQ

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