Cavite declares State of Calamity due to effects of Kristine

The local government of Cavite province declared a State of Calamity while some towns in Batangas are flooded following the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Joseph Morong reported Thursday on "Saksi."

In Noveleta, Cavite, the water from the overflowing Ylang-Ylang River, which is next to a pile of garbage, appeared to be like a waterfall.

The overflowing river caused waist-level and chest-level deep flooding in Barangay Antonio Dos.

Residents have evacuated before the flood rose.

“'Di na po kami makapasok sa loob ng bahay. Nilubog na po yung bahay namin. Pinasok na po ng tubig,” a resident said.

(We cannot enter our house. Our house was submerged as floodwater entered.)

In Ternate, residents living in coastal areas and near other bodies of water also had to leave their homes.

About 500 families have evacuated since Wednesday evening and the number is expected to rise, according to the Cavite Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Motorists and commuters also endured heavy rainfall and flooding as there was heavy traffic on some highways in the province.

Batangas province

Due to the intense flooding and strong water current, no one could enter Calatagan, a coastal town in Batangas.

Some residents in Barangay Lucsuhin were rescued using a loader truck after being trapped.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction ang Management Office (MDRRMO), several residents in other areas are still waiting to be rescued.

An Asian utility vehicle (AUV) floated due to the waist-level flood on Baunan-San Pascual Diversion Road, the only road leading to Lemery.

Some residents moved the vehicle to keep it from blocking the road.

Ten-wheeler trucks were also stuck on the road due to the floodwaters.

In Barangay Palanas, still in Lemery, residents sought help as they dealt with chest-deep flood.

Vehicles, including those used in rescue operations, ground to a halt as the road appears to be like the sea.

By 1 p.m., floodwater entered a hospital’s emergency room and wards. Both the patients and the staff were unable to buy food outside due to the flood and they had to transfer to the second floor.

Some houses in coastal areas were also damaged by strong winds and currents and heavy rainfall.

In Lian, some vehicles were unable to pass through some roads due to the flood.

Residents of Rosario said they experienced a power outage.

Motorists also found difficulty in entering provinces via Star Tollway in Malvar, Batangas where there was a downpour.  

In Ibaan, small vehicles were unable to pass through the road with knee-deep floods.

At 2 p.m., four major roads of the province were impassable.

The road from Bauan to Batangas Ports is the only passable road network.

About 500 more families are in 34 evacuation centers in Batangas. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News