Jolina causes flash floods in Visayas, Luzon areas; strands travelers at ports

Severe Tropical Storm Jolina made landfall six times, ravaged Luzon and Visayas areas, triggering flash floods, and stranded passengers at ports.

Jolina was previously classified a typhoon, but it weakened to a severe tropical storm Tuesday afternoon.

According to Chino Gaston's "24 Oras" report, the tropical cyclone brought strong winds and rain over Zumarraga, Samar, where several tents were swept away.

Extreme flooding brought about by Jolina also engulfed several Leyte homes.

In Ormoc, Leyte, 40 residents living near a river were forced to evacuate due to Jolina.

A spillway in San Francisco, Quezon was also destroyed due to the heavy rain and winds.

Over 100 passengers were also stuck at ports in Sorsogon and other provinces.

PAGASA's latest weather bulletin reported that Signal No. 2 was up in 13 areas, with the severe tropical storm expected to hit Marinduque on Wednesday.  — Consuelo Marquez/DVM, GMA News