Kristine’s heavy rains trigger landslides in Catanduanes town

Catanduanes. INQUIRER FILES

LEGAZPI CITY — Continuous heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Kristine triggered landslides in Bato town in Catanduanes on Tuesday morning, Oct. 22

Donnabelle Tejada, head of the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, reported that soil and rocks from the slope started cascading down on Monday, covering a road lane in Barangay Pananaogan.

Motorists were advised to take precautions while a clearing operation was ongoing.

A minor landslide was also reported in Barangay San Andres early Tuesday, but both lanes were still passable to vehicles.

Tejada said the clearing operations were put on hold as the weather threatened the clearing team.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration hoisted the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in the province on Monday.

At 5 a.m., a red rainfall warning was also issued in the province, which was expected to bring severe flooding in high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, at least 30 people were evacuated in Caramoran town, also in Catanduanes, due to flooding on Tuesday.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office said eight families from Barangay Hitoma were evacuated from their houses at 12:05 a.m.

The residents were temporarily sheltered at the barangay hall.