On Monday, September 2, the unabating rainfall from Tropical Depression “Enteng” severely impacted over 10,000 families and 41,387 individuals in Camarines Sur, particularly in hazard-prone and vulnerable areas.
Floodwaters inundated waterways, riverbanks, creeks, and major roads, prompting the evacuation of 135 families and 592 people.
The rapid influx of water from the mountains and bodies of water led to flooding in 25 of the province’s 35 municipalities and 2 cities, affecting 217 barangays, 20 of which had already subsided as of press time.
In light of the persistent inundation in various areas, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur and the City of Naga have declared an extension of the class suspension, prioritizing the safety of both students and educators. Some school administrators have issued directives to their personnel to evaluate the school’s condition to ensure the readiness of classrooms after the class suspension is lifted.
Several stranded passengers were also reported; 16 in Pasacao port and 100 individuals at the Del Gallego, Camarines Sur border.
At the height of TS Enteng, 11 spillways were rendered not passable to all types of vehicles: 11 in Baao; 8 in Iriga City; 7 in Nabua; 3 in Bula, 2 each in Buhi, Pili, and Del Gallego; one in Balatan, Siruma and Sangay – all in Camarines Sur.
After the conduct of a joint Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and LDRRMO emergency meeting via Zoom on Sunday, September 1, the PDRRMC immediately issued a memorandum suspending classes in the province at all levels.
A red alert status was likewise raised on the same day, including activating response clusters of all LDRRMCs, issuance of no sailing policy, pre-emptive evacuation, code white alert for hospitals, and suspension of work, among others.
Daily weather forecasts, tropical cyclone bulletins, Bicol River daily hydrological forecasts, and general flood and rainfall advisories were closely monitored 24/7.
Meanwhile, Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion issued a memorandum on Monday, Sept. 2, suspending all classes and work in public and private offices. He also directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to prepare the classrooms as temporary evacuation areas.
Legacion also ordered the use of Jesse M. Robredo (JMR) Coliseum, Sta. Cruz Evacuation Center (EC) and PAGCOR EC for evacuees.
Five (5) of the city’s 27 barangays experienced a surge of floodwater resulting in the evacuation of 97 families, affecting 342 individuals. Source: PIA 5 Camarines Sur