2 dead as Ada brings heavy rains, winds over Bicol region

At least two people have been reported dead after heavy rainfall and flooding brought by Tropical Storm Ada hit the Bicol region.

In a 24 Oras Weekend report, Ian Cruz said rescue operations were immediately launched after soil and rock debris fell on two individuals early Saturday morning in Matnog, Sorsogon.

The operation lasted about five hours before rescuers were able to retrieve the victims’ bodies.

In Baras, Catanduanes, heavy mud and debris from the mountains caused traffic slowdowns and road closures after a highway was completely submerged. A similar incident was reported in San Andres.

Spillways in San Miguel and Virac in Catanduanes were also deemed impassable due to flooding.

In Caramoan, heavy rains and strong winds reduced visibility to near zero as floodwaters entered schools and cemeteries.

Pre-emptive evacuations were also carried out in Viga for residents living in high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, landslides were recorded in parts of Camarines Sur.

In Daraga, Albay, the Salvacion, Inarado, and Budiao spillways were closed as heavy rainfall caused floodwaters to rise rapidly.

Old lahar deposits also caused knee-high flooding with sand and rock debris along the Guinobatan–Mayon Road in Barangay Masarawag, trapping some motorists.

Guinobatan Mayor has since ordered road-clearing operations on affected routes, including the road leading back to Manila that was also blocked by lahar deposits.

According to the Albay Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (APSIMO), more than 11,000 individuals in eight localities have been evacuated due to Tropical Storm Ada.

The local government stated that it will continue to monitor affected areas and residents as the storm impacts the region.

As of 8 p.m., PAGASA reported that four areas in Bicol remained under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 as Ada slowed down over Pandan, Catanduanes.

Tropical Storm Ada was last seen with maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 105 km/h.—Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/MCG, GMA Integrated News