Seventeen days after the deadly flash floods that struck this city on the night of September 17, families and friends continue to offer prayers for the two people who remain missing.
One of the missing, Dina Consolacion, 48, of Purok 13, Poblacion, was found floating near Busco Bridge in Barangay Butong, Quezon, on the morning of October 4. Her body, already in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered by residents and later confirmed by authorities.
The discovery raised the death toll to six. Previously confirmed fatalities were Jaya Taña, 27; King Winston Adran, 13; Larry Labay, 53; Princess Kyarah Dacoycoy, 17; and Deejay Ark Taña Viña, 4. Search and retrieval operations led by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) continue for the two remaining missing individuals – Johnny Borbon, 63, and Andrea Vistal, 2.
CDRRMO chief June Ray Valero said responders would sustain the search until the city government issues an official directive on when to conclude operations.
Families of the missing have accepted the painful reality of their loved ones’ fate, offering prayers amid the devastation caused by the sudden cloudburst. The flash floods destroyed millions worth of property, livestock, infrastructure, and agricultural crops, and left hundreds of families displaced.
Valero added that relocation efforts are underway for affected residents still staying at the city gymnasium, which serves as the main evacuation center.
The city government plans to transfer displaced families once the subdivision plan and construction of housing units at the relocation site in Barangay Pinatilan are completed.