Residents in several areas of Bicol Region are pleading for help as floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm #KristinePH continue to devastate their communities.
As of late Tuesday night, October 22, 2024, many residents remain stranded.
In Polangui, Albay some residents are trapped on their rooftops due to the rapidly rising water levels.
"Hindi pa po [kami nare-rescue], pero may mga rescuers na din po. 'Di lang makapunta dito pa kasi malakas 'yung agos ng tubig," Angelo Bernaldez Obias, a resident who shared the situation on social media, said.
Rescuers have been dispatched but are struggling to reach the stranded residents because of the strong currents, making it difficult to provide immediate assistance.
In Libon, Albay, rescuers from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) were stranded in Pantao, Bulusan, and San Agustin.
All three teams were unable to move due to severe conditions.
"'Di na po makagalaw ang rescuers natin. All three teams po ay stranded na sa Pantao, Bulusan, and San Agustin," MDRRMO Libon announced.
Meanwhile, residents in Oas, Albay, particularly in Barangays Iraya Norte, Ilaor Sur, Ilaor Norte, and Iraya Sur, are also asking for rescue.
Residents said the floodwaters have risen up to neck level, leaving some people trapped and stranded.
In Oas, Albay, residents can be heard screaming for help in Barangay Iraya Sur around 11:26 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
They were trapped by rising floodwaters brought by Tropical Storm #KristinePH.
"Na-trap po kasi sila dito sa may Iraya Sur, around 11:26 [p.m.] andyan na sila sumisigaw na po humhingi ng tulong," Fousiah Rañosa-Locsin, a resident who uploaded the video, said.
Some have already been rescued by civilians early morning on October 23.
"Na-rescue sila ng apat na civilian," Rañosa-Locsin added.
In Naga City, Camarines Sur, several cars and homes in Barangay Del Rosario were submerged in floodwaters, while parts of downtown Naga also faced severe flooding.
In Milaor, Camarines, floodwaters have reached chest level, including Barangay Barangay Borongborongan.
Residents are calling for rescue boats, as some like Deceree Joy Lipa, are trapped on the second floor of their homes.
"'Yung ibang houses po lubog na po talaga sa baha hanggang bubong na po," Lipa said.
There are not enough rescue boats reportedly, and the strong current makes it hard for rescuers to reach nearby homes.
"Konti rin po kse yung rescue boats dito saamin at sobrang [lakas ng] agos ng tubig kaya nahihirapan po mag rescue sa mga katabing bahay," Lipa said.
Heavy rains from #KristinePH have left many areas submerged, prompting residents to seek shelter and rescue.
UNABLE TO RESPOND
As of 12 a.m. on October 23, 2024, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Bicol has announced that rescuers were overwhelmed and unable to respond to all rescue calls due to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm #KristinePH.
Affected residents in Camarines Sur, Albay, and Naga City are advised to find safe places and understand that rescues will be prioritized.
LANDFALL
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), #KristinePH is forecast to move generally northwestward until it makes landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, October 23, or Thursday early morning, October 24.
