1 missing, 1,089 persons evacuated in latest flash floods that hit Caraga Region

by Ben Serrano

     January 28, 2011

      BUTUAN CITY (PNA) - At least one person was missing while some 1,089 persons or about 225 families have been evacuated in Surigao del Norte province alone with classes at all levels were suspended in Dinagat Islands province due intermittent rains for two days now brought about Northeast Monsoon and Wind Convergence Affecting Mindanao.

     Updated official report from the Office of Civil Defense Caraga regional office identified the missing victim as Amado Basadre, aging between 34  to 40 years old, married, resident of Barangay. Honrado, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte. Basadre was attempting to cross Barangay Honrado river when caught by strong river current.

    In Agusan del Sur , the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has activated the SARAS to be ready for deployment to areas needing their assistance.

    The report also claimed that Provincial Social Welfare Office opened its office for any emergency calls for assistance.

 DXDA, a government owned radio station in Agusan del Sur, continued to warn the public to be vigilant and ready for any eventualities of calamities.                                                                                     

 Landslide occurred in Barangay Laurel, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte at 6:00 PM, January 26, 2011. Clearing operation is presently going on by the Municipal Engineering Office, the report also claimed.

 PDRRMC of Dinagat Islands raised Alert level 2 and advised the people living near mountain slopes and in low lying areas to be alert for possible floods and landslides.

Classes in the elementary and secondary schools were suspended on January 26 at 3:00 PM up to this press time, the OCD report claimed.  

Dinagat Island’s Provincial Social Welfare, it claimed, has provided relief assistance to affected families.

In Surigao City, some Alert Level 2 was raised by the City Government at 5am today. The Surigao City Quick Action Response Team (QART) recorded a total of 54 families or 234 persons evacuated. (PNA/Ben Serrano)