Quezon residents refuse to evacuate despite Enteng threat

Several residents of Lopez, Quezon refused to evacuate despite the possible dangers from Tropical Storm Enteng.

In Jun Veneration’s Monday report on 24 Oras, residents of Sitio Siniguelas, Barangay Gomez experienced waist-level flooding despite the rains having stopped.

Nevertheless, they opted to remain in their homes rather than evacuate. Because of that, barangay officials continue to check on them.

Disaster responders were worried that if flood waters rose even higher, it would be difficult for them to rescue the residents because of the risks.

“Pag ano na saka malaki na yung ano saka sila magpapa rescue ang problema po nyan bagay po, 'saka malalim na doon naman kami nahihirapan na at gawang risky na,” said Barangay Kagawad Jason Bañaria.

(Residents will ask to be rescued when the flooding gets worse. If that happens, it would be risky for rescuers to reach them.)

At the height of Monday morning's flooding, some residents agreed to be rescued.

More than 20 individuals were brought to the evacuation center.

Bañaria said it was fortunate that the flooding took place in the morning as rescuers would face difficulties if it happened at night.

Frequent flooding occurs in Barangay Gomez whenever it rains because it is considered a catch basin. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/DVM, GMA Integrated News