Seniang damages bridge, floods barangays in Mindanao

A temporary bridge connecting two towns in Surigao del Sur was destroyed due to strong flood current caused by Tropical Storm Seniang, which made landfall early Monday morning, a television report said.

GMA News TV's "News To Go" reported that the bridge connecting the towns of San Agustin and Cagwait was damaged after Hubo River overflowed. Commuters who were supposed to pass through the bridge decided to stay at a nearby gym while other drivers backed out.

Residents of Veruela in Agusan del Sur, meanwhile, were evacuated due to floodings while the towns of Tago and San Miguel, also in Agusan del Sur, and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, were also submerged in floodwater.

The television report said there were also floodings in some barangays in Cagayan de Oro due to heavy rains.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office already raised the yellow alert and advised barangay officials to prepare for possible evacuation. The water level, on the other hand, was normal as of Monday morning, the television report said.

“Nagpa-meeting din tayo sa pulisya, BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), sa sundalo, sa Air Force, at Red Cross, yung mga responder talaga,” said Ret. Col. Verner Monsanto, head of the CDRRMO.

The evacuation centers in Brgy. Macasandig, one of the hardest-hit areas during Typhoon Sendong, have also been readied.

“Kung mapuno dito, meron pa sa Aluba Subdivision. Pinaghandaan na namin para wala nang mga taong madidisgrasya,” said Raul Bacalso, head tanod in Brgy. Macasandig.

The Provincial Disaster Risk reduction and Management Council of Misamis Oriental has been monitoring the municipality of Balingasag and Gingoog City due to strong water current. Search and rescue teams have been deployed in critical areas of the province while preventive evacuation was launched in the municipality of Magsaysay.

“Nag-augment na tayo ng mga food packs from 1,000 ginawang 2,000. Magpadala na tayo sa Gingoog. Expected ngayong umaga ma-mobilize na ang mga equipment,” said Jun Pacamalan, head of the Misamis Oriental PDRRMC.

Some parts of Visayas, particularly Baybay City in Leyte, were also affected by incessant rains. —Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News