4,000 affected by heavy rains in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines—Close to 4,000 persons in four provinces were affected by the heavy rains brought by a low pressure area in the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday.

A total of 731 families or 3,863  persons affected were from Regions VIII (Eastern Visayas), X (Northern Mindanao) and XIII (Caraga), with 2,905 people brought to evacuation centers.

Landslides were reported Thursday in the villages of Burubudan, Abuyog in Leyte; Pulahungon, Mahaplag in Leyte and Kahupian, Sogod in Southern Leyte. The roads in the said areas were temporarily blocked due to debris but were later opened after clearing operations.

The DILG also reported landslides in the villages of Tadoc and Paguite in Abuyog, Leyte.

In Zamboanga del Norte, two bridges were declared impassable: Salug Daku Bridge and Macasoy Bridge.

Alert Level 1 was raised in the Province of Dinagat, Surigao City, Tandag City in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte Thursday.

In Burauen, Leyte, residents were alerted for possible evacuation due to possible flooding caused by the overflowing of Daguitan river, the NDRRMC said.

Classes were suspended at pre-school and elementary levels in Dinagat, while classes at all levels were suspended in Tandag City.