Over 20 families evacuated as river level rises in Mindoro Occidental

More than 20 families are now staying in a gymnasium in Abra de Ilog town, Occidental Mindoro after they were evacuated due to the rising water level of the river nearby.

According to a report by Saleema Refran on GMA News 24 Oras, the evacuees from the coastal community of Barangay Tibag were provided with modular tents for their temporary stay until it is safe to return to their homes.

High tide and non-stop rains in the past few days have caused the water level to rise, endangering the communities living near the river.  The rampaging water has also eaten portion of the Kuli-Kuli creek.

"Talagang konting ulan ay talaga hong babaha siya at wala na po sila talagang mapupuntahan kundi ito lang gym,"  Bel Saldivar, chairperson of Barangay Tibag.

A resident, Rebecca Obrador, said, "Hindi po nila kami pauuwiin hanggang walang signal kasi pag nagkaroon po daw uli ng mga pagbaha, ire-rescue na naman kami, so dito lang ho kami maghihintay."

Early in the day as many as 150 families were in the evacuation center, but many of them have been allowed to return home, especially those living far from the river.

Saldivar assured the local government is prepared with rescue equipment to respond to the needs of the residents. 

Rescue teams are also monitoring other low-lying areas for possible evacuation of more families. —LDF, GMA News