Kristine causes massive floods, landslides in Bicol

Several areas in the Bicol Region experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall as a result of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

A 24 Oras report by Saleema Refran on Wednesday showed a video uploaded on social media where cries for help echoed amid the dark and high floodwaters from residents who were trapped inside their homes at Barangay Iraya Sur, Oas, Albay on Tuesday night.

A Polangui resident also shared a video as they waited for rescue from the roof of their house. Many were trapped in their homes as flooding rapidly occurred on Tuesday evening

Over 22 persons were rescued in Cabangan, Legazpi City while others sought safety by wading through a path amid surging floodwaters.

In Barangay Bonbon, Libon, people climbed on rooftops due to the strong current caused by the flood.

There is video taken of a man also holding onto a coconut tree to avoid being swept by the flood in Nabua, Camarines Sur. He was eventually rescued via boat.

The Biak na Bato Bridge collapsed along with another bridge connecting the towns of Tiwi and Malinaw, while houses were reportedly submerged by chest-deep floods in Pio Duran.

Lahar and stones from the Mayon Volcano buried some parts of Guinobatan, while a 36-year old man was buried by a landslide in Ligao City.

Another landslide buried  four houses in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as residents managed to evacuate earlier.

In Naga City, residents used flashlights to help guide them to safer areas as they crossed from one rooftop to another amid the dark, seeking rescue for their young children.

Rescuers overcame strong flood currents to help trapped residents in Barangay San Jose in Pili.

Deep floods were also experienced in La Purisima and Bato.

Meanwhile, a woman on the verge of giving birth was carried on a stretcher and rushed to a hospital by the Philippine Red Cross in Sorsogon.

In Bulan, two men rescued a dog by loading the animal in an ice box as they waded through the flood.

As of 5 p.m., Signal No. 3 has been raised over the Bicol region as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine prepares to make a landfall over the province of Isabela on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

PAGASA warned of the possible intensification of the typhoon before it reaches landfall.

The state weather bureau said they expect Kristine to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News