Nonstop rains trigger widespread flooding in Eastern and Northern Samar

Work and classes suspended on affected areas

TACLOBAN CITY — Continuous rains brought by a shear line have caused widespread flooding in several areas of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces on Friday, January 10, prompting the suspension of work and classes.

In Northern Samar, flooding incidents led to the suspension of work and classes in the municipalities of Lope de Vega, Catubig, and Catarman.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan ordered the suspension of work at the provincial capitol in Catarman due to flooding.

Other towns in the province, including San Roque, Mondragon, and Laoang, also reported flooding.

According to Rei Josiah Echano, provincial disaster risk reduction management officer, the floods affected 232 families consisting of 609 individuals, in Catarman, Mondragon, and San Roque.

Power outages were reported in Catarman, Laoang, Lapinig, Lope de Vega, and Mapanas as of Friday morning, with communication lines in these areas also slowing down.
In Eastern Samar, classes were suspended in Sulat, Dolores, and Can-avid due to the adverse weather conditions.

Borongan City, the provincial capital, reported flooding in 19 barangays, affecting 533 families or 1,722 individuals.

Since Thursday, January 9, both Eastern Samar and Northern Samar have been experiencing nonstop rains caused by the shear line, leading to flooding in several towns.
The towns of San Julian, Can-avid, Dolores, Arteche, and Jipapad in Eastern Samar were also affected by the continuous downpour.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas has advised local government units to remain vigilant and monitor the situation as heavy rainfall continues to pose risks to communities.
(JOEY A. GABIETA/ROEL T. AMAZONA)