11 rescued after being stranded in raging river in Zambales

At least 11 individuals were rescued on Sunday, Sept. 29, after they got stranded in a raging river in Botolan town, Zambales. (Photo courtesy of MDRRMO Botolan)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Eleven individuals, most of them teachers, were rescued on Sunday, Sept. 29, after they got stranded while attempting to cross a raging river in the lahar-prone area of Botolan town in this province amid heavy rains.

Andy Divino, head of the Botolan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said they launched rescue operations immediately upon learning of the stranding.

Five teachers from the Ateneo School had visited Poonbato Integrated School to assist students. Poonbato Integrated School is located in a remote upland Aeta community in Botolan.

Three residents and three additional teachers from the school joined them.

On their way back, their 4×4 vehicle had trouble crossing the river due to the strong current. INQ

READ: 8 teachers stranded while crossing raging river in Zambales rescued