One Person Dead in Massive Flood in Northern Samar: Victim Identified as Alias Cabides

At least one person has died in a massive flood that hit towns in Northern Samar since Monday, November 20, 2023, authorities have confirmed. The victim, identified as alias Cabides, was a resident of Barangay Ynaguingayan, Pambujan, Northern Samar. Army troops who conducted rescue operations on Tuesday reported that Cabides was struck by a fallen tree caused by a landslide in the area.

Dr. Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, stated that the rainfall leading to the flooding in Northern Samar was the highest ever recorded in the Philippines. The heavy rain resulted from a combination of monsoon rain and a shear line, resulting in rainfall higher than the average for November in previous years. Daep noted that the amount of rainfall in just one day in Northern Samar was equivalent to the total rainfall over a span of six weeks.

The disaster has led to the evacuation of 6,038 families, with 5,843 in Northern Samar and 195 in Eastern Samar. The University of Eastern Philippines and other private schools in Catarman also collaborated with disaster units in Northern Samar towns to evacuate thousands of students.

Despite challenging conditions such as road closures and flooding, relief efforts have been underway. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed gratitude for the support of volunteers, officials, and organizations who tirelessly assist evacuees. Basic necessities, medical aid, and sanitary facilities have been provided to those seeking refuge in the gymnasium and Sumoroy Hall.

Jipapad Mayor Benjamin Ver described the unexpected volume of rain in his town, stating that the floodwater suddenly rose rapidly after heavy rain for two days. Preemptive evacuation measures were taken, and relief items have been prepositioned for distribution once the water subsides. Mayor Ver also attributed the flooding to climate change and the lack of trees, as his town serves as a “catch basin” for rivers from surrounding areas.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Northern Samar to assess the situation in the affected areas personally.