Isabela residents fear flood in some areas could last a month

Some residents in Sto.Tomas, Isabela said flood water may last for a month because of the low-lying roads in their area.

According to a report of Jonathan Andal on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali on Monday, the town was isolated during the widespread flooding in the province amid the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

Governor Rodito Albano said that around 35% of the province was submerged when the Cagayan River overflowed due to heavy rains triggered by Typhoon Ulysses.  The rains also prompted the management of Magat Dam to release water that inundated various parts of the province.

While flooding in some areas has already subsided, some towns remain under water.

Albano said rescue teams were overwhelmed in saving residents who were stranded on their roofs due to lack of proper equipment.

“Na-overwhelm kami, hindi lang nabigla. Hindi talaga nakayanan,” he said.

He noted that the provincial government only has small rescue boats, which cannot stand the strong current of the flood.

Aside from this, Jimmy Rivera of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) said that they rarely go on a rescue operation at night.

“We seldom and never go on night operation. Wala kaming equipment. We're not equipped with night vision device and all. Wala tayo noon—flashlight, cellphone lang ang pang-ilaw natin against the floodwaters,” he said.

At least three people were reported dead, while two were still missing in the province.  Around 152,000 residents have evacuated from their homes due to the typhoon.

Around P144 million worth of damage was recorded in the agriculture sector.—Joviland Rita/LDF, GMA News