After Seniang’s devastation displaced families in Bohol willing to be relocated

LOON, BOHOL, Philippines — The internally-displaced persons or evacuees in Barangay Basak of this earthquake-stricken town have learned their lessons and are now keen to be relocated to safer areas, following the devastation of their houses at the height of storm Seniang last December 29.

Scores of destruction, not only households mostly made of light materials but also infrastructure and fishing boats torn into pieces, affected the sources of livelihood of the residents here, who are mostly fishermen.

Some 50 families who reside near the delta of the historic Moalong River in this town were badly affected by Seniang.

Fisherman Remarlito Labastida, 42, said he was thankful that his wife Irene, and two children were safe after the preemptive evacuation. Their house, however, was destroyed by the flashflood that also created craters here and there in the barangay, washed out the barangay basketball court and uprooted coconut trees around.

Samuel dela Serna, 30, who has been residing across the highway here since birth, told The Freeman he is now ready to be transferred nearby as promised by local officials. His house and his brother’s, both of light materials and located just below the earthquake-substituted steel bridge, were totally damaged by flashfloods of Seniang.

Natividad Sebero, 75, a widow, said she and her family are now ready to be relocated. Their house, beside the river, was no match to the flashflood.

All three families, along with hundreds of evacuees housed at the Basak Elementary School heeded the local government’s warning to evacuate before the floods came and were pleased that the relocation site is just near their place where they can continue with their livelihood of fishing.

Meanwhile, the provincial government headed by Governor Edgar Chatto has declared the entire Bohol under a state of calamity following the devastation wrought by Seniang, although there was no official word yet on the extent of damage to the various towns in the province.  (FREEMAN)