Massive Flood in Northern Samar Claims Life of Alias Cabides

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Massive Flood in Northern Samar Claims One Life

At least one person has tragically lost their life in a devastating flood that hit several towns in Northern Samar since Monday, November 20, 2023. The victim, identified as alias Cabides, was a resident of Barangay Ynaguingayan, Pambujan, Northern Samar. Army troopers involved in rescue operations reported that Cabides was struck by a fallen tree caused by a landslide in the area.

According to Dr. Cedric Daep, the chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office in the nearby Bicol region, the rainfall that triggered the massive flooding in Northern Samar is the highest ever recorded in the Philippines. Dr. Daep explained that the flooding was the result of the combined effects of monsoon rain and a shear line, which brought rainfall even higher than the average for the month of November in previous years. In fact, the amount of rainfall that occurred in just one day in Northern Samar was equivalent to the total rainfall for a span of six weeks. These unprecedented weather conditions have shed light on the urgent need for attention and support for the affected areas.

The dire situation has led to the evacuation of a total of 6,038 families, with 5,843 in Northern Samar and 195 in Eastern Samar. The disaster management units in Northern Samar towns have been working together to ensure the safe evacuation of thousands of students from the University of Eastern Philippines and other private schools in Catarman. Despite the challenging conditions, including road closures and flooding, the evacuation operation has been ongoing.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers, officials, and organizations that have tirelessly supported the evacuees. With around 3,000 individuals seeking refuge at the gymnasium and the Sumoroy Hall, basic necessities, medical aid, and sanitary facilities have been provided. Efforts are continuously being made to address any concerns and improve conditions for those affected.

Brigadier General Reynaldo Pawid, who heads the Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas, has deployed relief and rescue personnel to assist in the affected towns. This coordinated effort aims to provide immediate aid and support to the affected communities.

Jipapad Mayor Benjamin Ver expressed his shock at the unexpected volume of rain in his town. He stated that the floodwater suddenly rose rapidly after heavy rainfall for two days. However, preemptive evacuation measures were taken, with the church being used to accommodate evacuees. Mayor Ver also attributed the flooding to climate change, emphasizing the lack of trees in the area and the difficulty in estimating the volume of water.

In response to the crisis, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Northern Samar to personally assess the situation and provide necessary assistance. The impact of this devastating flood serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its consequences..