Dead among those evacuated in Rizal amid roof-high flood from Ulysses

Emily Centenaje had to evacuate her mother’s coffin as San Mateo, Rizal experienced flooding due to the continuous rains and strong wind brought by typhoon Ulysses.

According to James Agustin’s report on “24 Oras,” the level of floodwater in Centenaje’s area had reached roof level.

“Hirap po talaga dahil tingnan niyo po, oh, may patay pa po kami. Eh, naawa nga po kami sa nanay namin. Ililibing na sana bukas ‘yan eh. Ewan ko kung maililibing ‘yan,” Centenaje said.

The local government said that 10 out of 15 barangays in San Mateo were affected by flooding while more than 1,000 families had to be evacuated.

Milagros Vinluan, who was unable to save any item, also worried if she will have a house to return to.

“Natakot nga po ako, eh. Ano po ‘yung pag akyat agad po ng tubig, pinaalis po ako agad ng asawa ko. Tapos po wala po akong nakuhang gamit, suot ko lang na damit kasi biglaan po,” Vinluan said.

Authorities said they were surprised by the sudden rise of the water in San Mateo River. The critical level of the river is at 20 meters, however, its water level reached 28 meters on Thursday morning.

“Ang suspetsa namin, syempre, galing na naman sa ibang lugar, no. Sa mataas na lugar, sa kabundukan siguro galing na malibis ang bagsak. So in a span of two hours, flash flood ang nangyari,” Jose Rafel Diaz, acting mayor of San Mateo, said.

Officials said that in the meantime, the residents who evacuated will not be allowed to return to their homes until it is safe to do so.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News