Flash floods hit Banaue; 3 hurt  

MANILA, Philippines — Three persons were injured while around 500 families or 1,500 people were affected by flash floods in Banaue, Ifugao on Thursday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The NDRRMC said 13 families sought shelter at an evacuation center in Barangay Poblacion as rampaging floodwaters swept away vehicles and resulted in mudslides.

Initial reports showed that Barangays Amganad, Tam-an, Poblacion, Viewpoint, Bocos and Poitan were affected by flash floods spawned by heavy and continuous rain.

A video on GMA shows a house on a hill collapsing in the flood.

Aguinaya Cabanayan, municipal social development office chief, said 327 houses were damaged and two houses were destroyed.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, all roads were partially cleared and passable for light vehicles.

Vice Mayor Donald Mongolnon suspended work in municipal government offices yesterday to pave the way for clearing operations.

Power has yet to be restored as many electric posts were toppled.

Police warned residents living near mountain slopes against landslides and flash floods due to continuous rain.

Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region director Jovita Ganongan suspended travel to Banaue while clearing and cleaning operations are ongoing.

Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said family food packs worth P339,375 were distributed to affected residents.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said its regional field office facilitated the delivery of additional 1,000 food packs.

The DSWD said it coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense and Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that roads are passable and accessible. – Victor Martin, Artemio Dumlao, Rainier Allan Ronda