Naga, ex-VP Leni ask for rescue boats, trucks amid rising flood

The local government of Naga City in Camarines Sur and former vice president Leni Robredo have issued urgent appeals for pump boats and big trucks that can navigate the rising floodwaters that have trapped several residents in the city.

Heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Kristine triggered massive flooding in the province of Camarines Sur, turning low-lying areas into gushing rivers and forcing the evacuation of thousands into safer grounds.

In a social media post, Robredo, who hails from the province, reiterated her plea for pump boats as several families need to be evacuated from their roofs.  

She said many rescue trucks could also not be used as they were stalled due to the floods.

On Tuesday evening, the local government of Naga also said it is in need of "trucks and assets from the government and private sector that can navigate floodwaters between three to six feet deep."

"If you have vehicles capable of assisting in these conditions, please proceed immediately to the Incident Management Team at the Public Safety Office, City Hall Compound," the post said.

Camarines Sur, along with several others in the Bicol region, was placed under Signal No. 2 as Kristine continued to pick up strength while at sea.  It is expected to make landfall on Wednesday or Thursday.

According to a report by John Consilta on "24 Oras," the province experienced heavy rains on Tuesday afternoon causing some canals in Naga City to overflow.

Some low-lying areas appeared to be rivers due to the flood.

Several establishments like eateries and houses in Pili town were also flooded.

“Tumataas po talaga. Mahirap po kasi lalo na yung leptospirosis, tapos hindi kami makapag negosyong maayos gaya nito, apektado po,” a resident said.

(The water rose. It was difficult due to the threat of leptospirosis.  Our livelihood was also affected.)

Two spillways overflowed due to heavy rains causing a strong current in Del Gallego town. This caused some residents to be stranded as it is the only road they can use.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also deployed personnel in areas that usually experienced flooding to help with the evacuation.—LDF, GMA Integrated News