Fire razes house in Cabagan, Isabela after flood

A family in Cabagan, Isabela that was still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Ulysses lost their house to a fire.

According to Jonathan Andal’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the Zipagan family from Barangay San Juan placed their belongings on the second floor of their house so they will not be reached by floodwaters.

However, on Monday, all of the belongings, which they saved from the wrath of Ulysses, turned to ash.

“Nabaha na nga kami, ito pa nangyari sa amin kaya kung may gustong tumulong sa amin, tulungan niyo naman po kami kasi wala po kaming naisalba,” Iluminada Zipagan said.

Zipagan said the fire on the second floor started when a kid supposedly played with a lighter.

Zipagan said their refrigerator, television, beddings, clothes, and some cash were all engulfed in the fire.

While the first floor of their house was not damaged, she said they were sleeping on the veranda because they are unsure of the structural integrity of their house following the fire.

Moreover, Zipagan said she was grateful to their neighbors for helping them with their daily needs.

“Pang-araw-araw po ‘yong kapitbahay dito, nagbibigay po sila. ‘Yong mga damit, binigay din nila lahat ‘yan,” she said.

Isabela was placed under a state of calamity after Ulysses brought heavy rains and flooding, which was aggravated by the release of water from the Magat Dam.

At least three people died in the province due to the widespread flooding. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News