Heavy rains have led to widespread flooding in several areas of Oriental Mindoro, affecting homes, public spaces, and causing pre-emptive evacuations.
In a video taken by a local resident, houses in Barangay Zone 2, Pinamalayan, can be seen submerged in floodwaters. Residents were forced to move their belongings to higher ground as flood levels reached knee-deep.
The persistent downpour also caused flooding in the town's poblacion and the Pinamalayan Public Market.
In Barangay Banilad, crossing the river became difficult because of the strong current. Authorities advised residents to avoid crossing the river for safety, at least in the meantime.
In Socorro, two landslides were reported in Barangay Villareal and Barangay Malubay. No injuries have been reported, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
In Calapan City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is monitoring the water levels closely in the Panggalaan and Bucayao rivers. As of this writing, no area was reported to have been hit by flood.
In Barangay Pakyas, Victoria, floodwaters have turned muddy, as shown in a video by Gina Olivar, a resident. It is not yet clear if any residents have been evacuated from the area, as of this writing.
According to the latest report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Oriental Mindoro, five towns have experienced flooding: Pinamalayan, Victoria, Bongabong, Pola, and Socorro.
Pre-emptive evacuations have already been carried out in parts of Pinamalayan, and three families have been relocated from Barangay Maligaya in the town of Gloria as a precaution against flooding.
Due to heavy rains, the local government of Oriental Mindoro has suspended all public office operations for the day.