Floodwaters surged in parts of Casiguran, Sorsogon after relentless rains caused by a shear line battered the area on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

The downpour swelled rivers and left homes, schools, and livelihoods submerged in its wake.

Barangay Sta. Cruz, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw waist-deep waters inundate homes and classrooms.

Teachers at Del Carmen Memorial High School returned to find laptops, printers, and student records soaked.

"Nabasa ang ilang gamit ng mga teachers at students, kabilang ang laptop, printer, modules, aklat, mahalagang documents ng mga students, at pati na rin ang test papers na gagamitin sana ngayong Second Quarter Exam," the school said in a Facebook post.

Mud and debris covered classrooms and faculty rooms, forcing all schools in the town to suspend classes.

Other areas like Sitio Storom in Barangay Trece Martires and Sitio Cagdagat in Barangay Boton also faced significant flooding, displacing residents.

Local government units distributed relief goods and clean drinking water to the communities affected.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the provincial and municipal governments, prioritized aid for those affected most.

SHEAR LINE

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier issued heavy rainfall warnings for Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Northern Samar.

This is due to a shear line, which is a weather system that occurs when warm and cold air masses meet, often causing continuous rainfall over affected areas.

Officials urge residents to remain vigilant, monitor updates, and follow advisories as rains continue to pose threats in low-lying and river-adjacent areas.