Heavy rains and strong winds brought by Tropical Storm Ramil on Saturday, October 18, caused landslides and left many areas on Samar Island submerged in floodwater, authorities reported Sunday.
In Calbayog City and the nearby town of Daram in Samar province, widespread flooding inundated several barangays while landslides were reported in some areas in the two localities.
In Daram, floodwaters affected the villages of Binarawon and Kanipaan as the Jacopon River overflowed due to continuous rainfall. Several houses were reported to have been affected, although the extent of the damage was still being determined as of press time.
In Calbayog City, a landslide occurred in Barangay Cagmanipis Sur, which was also hit by flooding. Other affected areas due to flooding included the villages of Cagmanipis Norte, Bugtong, Malaga, and Roxas II.
The Calbayog Water District issued an advisory warning its consumers of possible low water pressure or temporary supply interruption as some of its water sources were also affected by flooding.
In Eastern Samar, floodwaters reached the public market and municipal hall grounds of Guiuan town following hours of heavy rain. Flooding was also reported in Barangay Pagbabangnan in San Julian town and in Borongan City.
A landslide incident was also recorded in Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar.
Rescued
On Sunday, two minors from Masbate were rescued off the coast of Barangay Dalupinit, San Antonio, Northern Samar, after their fishing boat drifted due to rough seas and strong winds brought by Ramil.
The rescued boys, aged 11 and 14, both residents of Barangay Palanas in Dimasalang, Masbate, reportedly went fishing on Saturday at the height of the typhoon. Turbulent waters later swept them away before being spotted and rescued by Dalupinit’s residents.
A fisherman from Barangay Nena of San Julian, Eastern Samar, identified as Venetio Pombo,30, was reported missing after he failed to return home after he went to the sea last Saturday to fish, local authorities reported