LIGAO CITY, (Philippines): Heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Ada triggered flooding and landslides in several parts of Albay on Saturday (Jan 17), rendering roads and bridges impassable and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of families, local officials said.
In Guinobatan town, Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said that flooding and debris blocked roads in the villages of Masarawag, Tandarora, along the Masarawag–Maninila road, and in parts of Muladbucad Grande, particularly Puroks 6 and 7.
A minor landslide was reported in Lourdes village in Tiwi town, but the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the affected road remained passable to motorists.
In Manito town, strong river currents swept away the bamboo bridge connecting Barangays Cawit and It-ba, cutting access between the two villages.
Meanwhile, Daraga Mayor Victor Perete said 509 families from Barangays Budiao, Bañadero, Malobago, Matnog, and Busay were evacuated to safer areas due to the risk of lahar flows from Mayon Volcano.
A spillway in Barangay Budiao was also rendered impassable by flooding.
In Polangui town, several families were also evacuated, according to municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer Ganda Sambitan. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
