Nearly 2,000 families from eight barangays in Lamitan City, Basilan were affected by flood caused by heavy rains.

In a video captured by a netizen, floodwaters that entered the houses were rising when heavy rains brought about by intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and low pressure area (LPA), poured on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Another video showed residents wading through floodwaters to help rescue those who were trapped inside their homes.

Rescue operations were launched immediately by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

“Dahil na-rescue natin sila as early as 1 a.m., nagsimula na kami ng rescue sa mga trapped residents hanggang 5 a.m.,” CDRRMO Head, Oliver Torres, said.

Data from CDRRMO showed that around 1,881 families from Barangays Matibay, Malinis, Limo-ok, Maganda, Sengal, Maligaya, Balobo, and Malakas were affected.

Flood victims are taking shelter temporarily at the evacuation centers. Some of them have returned home, as of this writing.

CDRRMO reminded the public anew to be vigilant every time there is a downpour and flooding.

“Mag-monitor sila sa weather din sa amin para kung anuman ang announcement namin maka-(responde) tayo ng mas maaga,” Torres said.