Power, communication lines cut off in Eastern Visayas, as ‘Urduja’ pounds region

CATARMAN, Northern Samar—Power and communications lines across Eastern Visayas were down in the wake of strong winds and rains spawned by Tropical Storm “Urduja.”

Floods were reported in the towns Barugo and Tanauan in Northern Leyte.

The provincial government of Eastern Samar was bracing for more floods and landslides as heavy rains and strong winds continued to pound the province, said provincial administrator George Erroba.

Northern Samar had been without electricity since Friday night.

Reports from the province showed that several roads in Northern Samar were impassable due to the floods.

These were the national highway in Lope de Vega town, along Barangay Bagasbas in Mondragon town and along Sitio Naperez; and Barangays Bangkerohan and Banika in San Roque town.

Floods in these areas had reached from waist to neck deep.

Floods had also affected 791 out of 1,003 households in the town proper of Silvino Lubos town.

According to Northern Samar board member Maritess Gillamac, who hails from Silvino Lobos, most of the barangays in her town were submerged in flood water since these are mostly located in low lying areas along the river banks.

At least 48 families on Maripipi Island, Biliran province were evacuated due to Urduja’s heavy rains, said Ecole Gaviola, staff member of Mayor Uldarico Macorol.#