Verbena causes floods in parts of Mindanao even before landfall

Some houses were swept by raging floods in several areas in Mindanao due to heavy rains and bad weather caused by Tropical Depression Verbena, hours before it made landfall in Surigao del Sur.

According to Cyril Chavez’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental experienced zero visibility due to the heavy downpour at past 9 a.m.

Twenty-two towns in Misamis Oriental also suspended classes, while Cagayan de Oro City declared half-day class suspensions. Some roads in Barangay Amoros, El Salvador City were also flooded.

GMA Regional TV also witnessed the aftermath of houses that were swept away by raging floods in Butuan City.

Floods in Barangay Bitan-agan reached knee level, prompting residents to salvage their belongings. Josephine Homes in Barangay Libertad, Butuan City was also not spared from the flood.

A residential area in Barangay Bitang-agan was practically stripped bare after the flood swept the houses away.

Residents said around eight houses were swept away by the floods, including two houses and a store that belonged to a family that spent years building them.

According to the barangay captain, the affected residents will be temporarily sheltered at the old barangay hall and an elementary school.

Initial assistance such as rice and food have been distributed to the affected residents.

The evacuees are in need of sleeping mats as their belongings were swept away by the flood.

Authorities in Butuan City said more than 115 families from different barangays were evacuated amid the rough weather from Tropical Depression Verbena. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/JMA, GMA Integrated News