2 dead, 1 missing as heavy floods hit Metro Cebu

CEBU CITY—Two persons died, while a 16-year-old boy went missing, after a sudden downpour caused heavy flooding in different areas in Metro Cebu last Tuesday.

The body of 85-year-old Flavio Gonzaga Detuya was found around 10 p.m. Tuesday in his flooded home in Barangay Lorega San Miguel, according to Ramil Ayuman, officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO).

At the height of the heavy downpour, the Kamputhaw River burst its banks, causing heavy flooding in nearby areas.

Floods even entered commercial establishments and houses.

There were families which had to be evacuated after floodwater in some areas rose shoulder-high.

Some roads also became impassable due to floods. Some vehicles were also overwhelmed by the rising water and were left in the middle of flooded roads.

Early morning Wednesday, the body of Leonardo Otto was found near a creek in Barangay Busay.

Otto reportedly tried to cross a creek, but was swept away by the current.

Ayuman added that an unidentified 16-year-old was swept away by floodwaters along General Maxilom

Avenue.

Search and retrieval operation was ongoing as of press time.

Landslides were also reported in some areas.

The flood also caused major congestion in uptown area as city personnel cleared major roads of mud and debris left by flood.

Police Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius, chief of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas, has directed all police stations in the city and province to prepare their rescue teams in case evacuation operations are needed.

“With the onset of La Niña, our rescue teams are on alert. We are already preparing areas that could be used as evacuations centers,” said Ferro.