PNP, BFP and barangay rescuers brave Samal flood waters. Photo courtesy of Barangay San Juan chairman Fyke Valenzuela
SAMAL, Bataan – At least 85 individuals from 45 families were rescued from deep floods that submerged a village here Sunday.
The evacuees who came from the Sunshine Village in Barangay San Juan were temporarily housed in several classrooms at the Samal North Elementary School.
“Lumikas kami dahil sa sobrang laki ng tubig. Hanggang leeg, sa iba lampas-tao ang lalim ng tubig na bigla lang lumaki,” Danilo Esconde said.
He recalled that flood waters started to rise at 9 in the morning and they were evacuated at 2 in the afternoon. “Madalas kaming bahain pero hindi ganito kalalim,” he said.
Esconde and other evacuees said they need food and blankets, especially for the children.
“Hanggang leeg ang baha na tuwing malakas ang ulan na sinasabayan ng high tide ay bumabaha,” Tina Rabago, Rosalyn Sibug and Ronnable delos Santos said. They wanted food, coffee and medicine.
Brenda Rabago said they also need bread, beddings, drinking water, and diaper and milk for children.
The evacuees said they have resided in the village for 16 to 28 years.
Sa Juan barangay chairman Francisco “Fyke” Valenzuela said the flood that hit the village was “upos-tao” or from five to six feet deep.
He said that the Sunshine Village that served as relocation site for informal settlers was near a creek and easily get flooded, especially during high tide and heavy rains.
Valenzuela said members of the Samal police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office with marshals and barangay kagawad and tanod conducted the rescue operation in coordination with Mayor Aida Macalinao.
“Sa tulong ni Mayor Macalinao, magbibigay kami ng pagkain sa mga lumikas bukod pa sa temporary shelter,” Valenzuela said.
