5 towns in Occidental Mindoro submerged in floods; rescue operations ongoing

Rescue operations are underway in Sitio Lagundian, Barangay Balansay, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Handout/PIO Occidental Mindoro

MANILA -- Rescue operations are ongoing for residents trapped in their homes due to flooding in various areas of Occidental Mindoro, as water levels continue to rise amid the relentless heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat), intensified by tropical storms Dante and Emong.

Governor Eduardo Gadiano himself is monitoring the rescue operations from the command center at the provincial capitol, as one of the worst flooding incidents to hit Occidental Mindoro has now submerged five towns.

Among those rescued were two senior citizens, both 87 years old, from Sitio Lagundian, Barangay Balansay in the town of Mamburao.

The PDRRMO rescue team, the 76th Infantry Battalion, and the Philippine Coast Guard also rescued two more senior citizens from their home in Sitio Baliti, Barangay Tangkalan.

In Sitio Mahongay, Barangay Pinagturilan in the town of Santa Cruz, two more elderly residents were rescued after being trapped in their home when a nearby river overflowed.

Over 250 families, or more than 800 individuals, have already been evacuated.

Governor Gadiano has ordered preemptive evacuation and, if necessary, forced evacuation.

The towns severely affected by the flooding include Abra de Ilog, Paluan, Mamburao, Sta. Cruz, and Sablayan.