Floods force 17 families in Zambales to evacuate

MANILA, Philippines - Floods from an overflowing creek forced at least 17 families or 70 persons to flee from their homes in Botolan town in Zambales province Thursday night. Radio dzBB's Manny Vargas reported Friday that the families left their homes after the creek in Batonlapoc village overflowed and threatened three villages. The Regional Disaster Coordinating Council said the overflow, which started at about 10 p.m., threatened the villages of Carael, Tampo and Batonlapoc. According to the RDCC, the creek overflowed due to heavy rains brought by typhoon "Marce." Of the evacuees, 12 families (50 people) took shelter at the Botolan North Central School. The others stayed with their relatives. However, families in Carael village refused to leave their homes. Botolan has a population of 46,602 people in 9,629 households. - GMAnews.TV