Central Philippines faces a devastating flood crisis as continuous heavy downpours lead to widespread flooding, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.
At least one person has been reported dead, and rescue operations are underway to reach stranded residents in the hardest-hit provinces.
Northern Samar Bears the Brunt:
Northern Samar, a severely affected province, witnesses villages and towns submerged after a week of relentless rain.
The provincial capital, Catarman, experienced over a month’s rainfall in just 24 hours, inundating streets, shopping malls, houses, and commercial buildings.
State weather forecaster Benison Estareja revealed that Catarman received a staggering 619 millimeters of rainfall in a single day, surpassing the average monthly rainfall of approximately 450 millimeters.
The excessive rain has transformed streets into rivers, exacerbating the flooding crisis.
Massive Evacuations and Stranded Residents:
Over 43,000 people have been compelled to evacuate their homes as floodwaters continue to rise. Rescue efforts involve inflatable boats and ropes to reach residents stranded in inundated houses.
The national disaster agency is coordinating evacuation and relief efforts as communities await the receding of floodwaters.
A woman lost her life in Pambujan municipality, Northern Samar, as a result of a landslide.
Local disaster chief Pedro Balanquit reported that overflowing rivers, compounded by waters descending from the mountains, have led to severe flooding, reaching the tops of two-story houses.
Philippines’ Vulnerability to Climate Change:
The Philippines, experiencing approximately 20 major storms annually, ranks among the world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts.
The warming atmosphere, holding more water, intensifies the risk of flooding from extreme rainfall, amplifying the challenges communities face during severe weather events.
