Heavy rains trigger deep floods in Laguna

Heavy downpour brought by Tropical Depression Ofel caused deep floods in four barangays in Mabitac, Laguna on Thursday.

According to Vonne Aquino’s “24 Oras” report, the floods were deep enough for children to swim in.

Meanwhile, adults were busy dealing with flood water that had entered their homes.

“‘Pag alam po naming babagyo, sinasabihan na po namin ang bawat ka-barangay namin na mag-ayos ayos ng kanilang mga itataas at ang kaligtasan din nila ang aming inaano,” barangay councilor Dolores Dorado said.

The municipal government of Mabitac said the area is flood-prone because it is a catch basin of water coming from Rizal and Quezon.

However, a retaining wall that redirects water to the Laguna Lake has lessened the number of barangays flooded during heavy rains.

“Sa ngayon ay hindi naman masyado po ‘yung baha kasi nagkaroon na po kami ng mga retaining wall. Pero no’ng wala pa po ‘yun, sobrang lalim po,” Mabitac municipal administrator Romeo Alarde said.

"Patuloy po ang punongbayan… para po matapos po namin ‘yung retaining wall sa lahat ng barangay na dinadaanan ng baha,” he added. -Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News