New Year had just started but it seems like calamities also drops in the room. As according to the head of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, or also known as PAGASA, heavy rains in Eastern Visayas may continue until at least Wednesday.
It was reported that this is because of the tail-end of a cold front moving south, but by Thursday, this will move north again.Top of FormBottom of Form
Southern Leyte was greatly affected, and the town of St. Bernard was hit by landslide that leads to death of two children. According to Office of Civil Defense administrator Benito Ramos, there are rescued victims for about 910 people 10 who were from Tambis, Maria Socorro, San Isidro, Anian, Carnaga and Bolodbolod were evacuated to safer grounds.
There is also a 7 years old child who initially identified as Jordan Naquipon that was recovered during a joint operation by local management officials, police and military. Now, the said evacuated families were brought to the town gymnasium and nearby schools. They will temporarily stay until clearing operations will take off.
The Eastern Visayas and Northeast Mindanao were being alerted to prepare for the rains.
Authorities said that the illegal logging in the Eastern Visayas area is the major cause when last February 17, 2006, a landslide hit Guinsaugon village in St. Bernard that killed more than 1,000 people.
For now, the local government units can still handle the situation, and there is no need for the national government to get involved in evacuation and relief operations. We just hope that clearing operations will be given immediately, as possible.