Drinking water is what residents of Jipapad town in Eastern Samar need most as they recover from days of flooding.

As of November 25, 2023, all those at the evacuation center have returned home. Floodwaters in the town’s 13 barangays have also subsided.

Councilor Hanz Pecayo, chairperson of the committee on peace and order, says their water source was affected by the flood that reached up to 25 feet in the lowest level.

Those who can donate drinking water can bring the same to the municipal hall.

Aside from drinking water, residents also need food, sleeping paraphernalia, even clothes, as they let their belongings dry up.

PREPARED

Aside from floodwater subsiding and residents returning home, another good news is that no casualty was recorded in the latest disaster, which was caused by continuous rains that lasted for three days starting on November 18, 2023.

The heavy rainfall was brought about by the shear line, the weather system affecting the Visayas regions.

Pecayo tells GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak that it was not the first time they experienced heavy rains or flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

When the Amihan season arrives during the ‘ber’ months, residents become vigilant and are evacuated preemptively when rains persist.

DAMAGE

Still, the flood left damage to property and resources.

Pecayo says damage to the rice fields in the town amounts to P1.5 million.

One house was also destroyed.