Triggers floods, landslides, and mass evacuations
TACLOBAN CITY — Heavy rains and strong winds brought by Typhoon “Ramil” lashed across parts of Samar Island and nearby provinces over the weekend, triggering floods, landslides, and displacing thousands of residents.
On Saturday, October 18, widespread flooding was reported in Calbayog City and the nearby town of Daram in Samar province, while landslides and power interruptions affected several communities across the region.
In Daram, floodwaters inundated the villages of Binarawon and Kanipaan as the Jacopon River overflowed following hours of continuous rain. Several houses were affected, although the extent of the damage was still being assessed as of press time.
In Calbayog City, a landslide hit Barangay Cagmanipis Sur, while other low-lying areas such as Cagmanipis Norte, Bugtong, Malaga, and Roxas II experienced knee-deep flooding.
The Calbayog Water District also warned consumers of low water pressure or temporary supply interruptions as its water sources were affected by the floods.
In Eastern Samar, floodwaters reached the public market and municipal hall grounds of Guiuan town. Similar flooding incidents were reported in Barangay Pagbabangnan in San Julian and in parts of Borongan City.
In Northern Samar, a landslide occurred in Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, while two minors from Masbate were rescued off the coast of Barangay Dalupinit, San Antonio after their fishing boat drifted due to rough seas and strong winds. The boys, aged 11 and 14, had gone fishing on Saturday and were swept away before being spotted and rescued by local residents on Sunday.
Meanwhile, two fishermen earlier reported missing — Venetio Pombo of Brgy. Nena, San Julian, and Junjie Valera of Brgy. Del Remedio, Sulat — were rescued on Sunday off the waters of Brgy. Natividad, San Policarpo, Eastern Samar.
With the weather improving by Sunday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) lifted its no-sailing policy across Eastern Visayas.
In Biliran province, the municipality of Naval sheltered 2,352 individuals from 661 families displaced by Ramil.
The evacuees were housed in various LGU- and barangay-managed evacuation centers, including schools and the Naval Gymnasium, which reached full capacity with 631 evacuees, and the Dapdap Evacuation Center, which sheltered 116 individuals.
Mayor Gretchen Espina assured that all evacuees received three meals daily and basic necessities such as infant milk, diapers, sanitary napkins, and coffee. The LGU also organized movie viewings and games for children to ease stress and uplift spirits amid the crisis.
“In moments like this, the true heart of Naval shines the brightest. Our compassion, unity, and resilience define who we are as a people. Together, we will overcome, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever,” Mayor Espina said.
The provincial government of Biliran likewise provided refuge to 30 families or 111 individuals at the provincial evacuation center in Barangay Larrazabal, where evacuees received food packs, clean water, and sleeping kits.
Governor Gerard Roger Espina praised the swift coordination among the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), local volunteers, and barangay officials in responding to the storm’s impact.
“In every storm, we see the true heart of our people — united, resilient, and compassionate. Together, we face challenges and rise stronger as one Biliran,” the governor said.
After conditions stabilized, the LGU of Naval lifted its forced evacuation order on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO-Biliran), led by Sofronio D. Dacillo, conducted inspections of riverbanks, roads, and bridges to ensure that all major routes were safe for motorists and relief operations.
While weather conditions have improved, local disaster officials continue to urge residents to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides, especially in mountain and coastal communities still saturated by days of heavy rainfall.
JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA
