Floods hit Leyte, Quezon; clearing, retrieval continue in Lanao Norte

Some areas in the province of Leyte were flooded due to the heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression Agaton.

In a report on Unang Balita by Victoria Tulad on Wednesday, transportation in Baybay City was problematic as floodwaters have damaged some roads.

A village in Tacloban City and some parts of Maharlika Highway in Palo town were also flooded.

Meanwhile, at least a hundred passengers remained stranded at the Ormoc City port.

The municipality of Kawayan in Biliran, which has yet to recover from the devastation brought by Tropical Storm Urduja, was also flooded due to Agaton's heavy rains. Raging floodwaters also pierced through the Tucdao National High School and some residential houses.

Kawayan residents who were residing near a spillway have also been evacuated.

Aside from floodwaters, Agaton also brought strong currents over the eastern seaboard of Quezon province which have prevented ferry's from sailing.

Passengers at the ports of Real, Atimonan port, Dinahican, Infanta and Gumaca were stranded.

In a separate Unang Balita report by Jay Sabale, clearing and retrieval operations in the province of Lanao del Norte particularly near the Maranding River and in the municipalities of Salavador, Tubod and Lala were still ongoing.

Residents who were evacuated to the Rufo dela Cruz Integrated School in Tubod town were allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday afternoon to check on their personal belongings.

Authorities remained on alert because heavy rains continue to hit the province.

A sudden downpour, however,  but heavy rains suddenly poured in the area which prompted the authorities to stay alert amid the effects of Agaton.

Authorities, meanwhile, have yet to fully clear logs strewn in the Maranding River, which poses danger to the residents.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said that their teams need additional chainsaws for the clearing operation.

Meanwhile, the PDRRMO said they are still looking for people who have been reported missing tue to tropical cyclone Vinta.

Agaton slammed into Mindanao on Tuesday, following the path of Vinta and Urduja that have a combined death toll of more than 200 people.

Agaton is now over the West Philippine Sea after hitting Palawan province. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early Thursday. —ALG, GMA News