Floods, power interruptions reported due to Dante

The impact of Tropical Storm Dante has caused floods, soil erosions, and power interruptions in different parts of the country, according to reports on Thursday.

In Odiongan, Romblon, a bridge was close to being submerged in a river, according to a report of Bam Alegre on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

The flood rose around six feet that some residents had to cross the current through a rope to evacuate from their homes. A kid was placed in a bucket to traverse the flooded area.

In Tablas Island, around 20,000 households in the towns of Santa Fe, Ferrol, and Looc experienced power interruptions as strong winds slanted power posts and fallen trees caught electric cables.

Due to huge waves, a vessel ran aground a shoal in Looc. Its 21 crew members have taken temporary shelter in a covered court.

In Nabas, Aklan, floods damaged some cottages and attractions in a resort. Soil erosions and floods in rice fields were also reported.

In Batangas City, some roads were submerged in flood, giving motorists with small vehicles a hard time to travel. Some homes were also flooded.

Over 300 passengers heading to Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Aklan were stranded in Batangas Port. Because the port was closed, the stranded passengers stayed in nearby stores.

According to a report of GMA news stringer Jun de Roma, brownouts were also encountered in Pakil and Sta. Maria, Laguna amid heavy rains on Wednesday night.

The concerned electric cooperation said that some lines of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines were damaged.

In Surigao del Norte, some areas in the towns of Malimono and Mainit were hit by floods. Some power posts and trees collapsed amid strong winds, according to a report of GMA Regional TV Dagupan.

Flooding was also experienced in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

In Bacolod City, an overflow was wrecked during the onslaught of the tropical storm. The city engineering office said it was supposed to be repaired before but it was delayed due to the pandemic.

Hundreds of Capiz and Iloilo residents have evacuated from their homes.

In Mandaue City, flood was experienced in Barangay Paknaan after Butuanon River swelled.

Meanwhile in Talisay City, a house at the riverside of Mananga River collapsed, which prompted the local government to evacuate other residents.

Around 400 passengers and some vehicles were stranded in Matnog Port in Sorsogon due to the no sail policy in light of the threat of Dante.

The passengers in Pasacao Port in Camarines Sur were also stranded.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council spokesperson Mark Timbal said three people were reported dead while one was missing due to Dante.

Over 1,000 people or 280 families have evacuated from their homes in Bicol and Central Visayas regions.

In Caraga and Soccsksargen, more than P14 million worth of damage in agriculture was reported, according to Timbal.

He advised concerned residents to stay alert and informed about the weather condition while observing health protocols against COVID-19.

“Lagi po kayong makibalita sa lagay ng panahon at makipag-ugnayan sa local government unit (Always check updates on the condition of the weather and coordinate with local government units),” he said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News