Heavy rain triggers floods in Dumaguete

COLLAPSED BRIDGE. A bridge collapses in Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City, after the Banica River overflowed on October 19, 2017. Photo by Dondee Señeris

MANILA, Philippines – Nonstop heavy rain due to Typhoon Paolo (Lan) hit Dumaguete City and other parts of Negros Oriental on Thursday, October 19.

The heavy rain triggered flooding in several barangays and caused the Amlan and Bio-os rivers to overflow on Thursday morning.

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Dumaguete City, residents living near riverbanks already evacuated. 

In Barangay Taclobo, the Banica River overflowed around 7:15 am, leading to the collapse of the bridge connecting Barangay Bagacay and Colon Street Extension. The area remains inaccessible as of posting.

INACCESSIBLE. The Banica River overflows and leaves an area in Dumaguete City inaccessible on October 19, 2017. Photo by Francis Luwee Luce

Acting Negros Oriental Governor Edward Mark Macias suspended classes in all levels, based on the recommendation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Jose Lawrence Silorio. Macias also advised the public to continue monitoring weather advisories.

Power interruptions also hit parts of the province, according to the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers Facebook page.

As of posting, the DILG said no casualties have been reported in the province.

PAGASA advised residents to take precautionary measures against floods and landslides. – with reports from Abigail Abigan / Rappler.com