Government personnel and volunteers are clearing up the debris from the flashflood and mudslide that affected 500 families and injured three individuals in Banaue, Ifugao on July 7.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera reported on July 8 that six out of the 18 barangays in the municipality were affected by flashfloods and mudslides namely Poblacion, Viewpoint, Tam-an, Amganad, Bocos, and Poitan.
Videos and photographs of the flashfloods and mudslides taken by residents themselves have circulated on social media where netizens watched how the flashflood was likened to a raging river, coming from the mountainside that went through the houses built upon it, and swept vehicles parked along the road.
Authorities also rescued an occupant of a vehicle that was parked along the road and was swept by the flashflood.
Several landslides also happened in the area which blocked roads.
The flashfloods and mudslides occurred following the thunderstorm caused by the southwest monsoon affecting Cordillera that affected 500 individuals.
DSWD-CAR Director Arnel Garcia said they have given out 1,500 food packs to affected families and more food packs would be given to those in need.
He said they would give out cash assistance of P5,000 to P10,000 per affected family while a total of P5 million aid would be given to the totally and partially damaged houses.
The Police Regional Office-Cordillera reported two families are currently living at the evacuation center in Poblacion while the earlier 11 families went out of the center. Most of the affected families temporarily sought shelter with their relatives and friends.
PRO-Cor recorded one totally damaged house at sitio Inbatugan, Poblacion and 62 partially damaged houses.
Second Ifugao Provincial Mobile Force Company commander, Lt/Col. Ayson Tenenan, said road clearing operation and placing of sandbags in the areas are ongoing.
Tenenan said power supply was also cut-off in the affected barangays causing blackouts in the area.
In an interview with ABS-CBN TeleRadyo, Banaue Vice Mayor Donald Mongolnon said the flashflood was unexpected due to the heavy rains that occurred.
The emergency operation center, in coordination with the line agencies, was activated at the Banaue Mayor’s Office to service the affected individuals. – Ofelia C. Empian
