1,263 persons evacuated due to flooding in Northern Samar

Northern Samar map. INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — Several areas in Northern Samar, including its provincial capital of Catarman, were hit by massive flooding on Tuesday due to nonstop rains spawned by a low-pressure area and shear line.

In Catarman, at least 1,263 persons evacuated after their houses were flooded, a report from its municipal information office said.

The number of affected families was expected to increase since some were still trapped in their houses due to flooding, said Rachel Arnaiz, municipal information chief.

Arnaiz said data gathering was difficult as the power was down since Monday night.

“This is the worst flooding incident in Catarman in almost five decades,” Arnaiz said.

Classes and work in Catarman were canceled since Monday.

Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan has offered the provincial gymnasium for Catarman residents who need to evacuate.

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