Tropical Storm Kristine Causes Floods & Landslides Over Luzon, Visayas

Floods & Landslides Affect Parts of Luzon, Visayas Due to Tropical Storm Kristine Causes Floods & Landslides Over Luzon, Visayas

Tropical Storm Kristine has wreaked havoc across parts of Luzon and Visayas, leading to severe flooding and landslides in several areas.

Kristine, which intensified into a tropical storm as it moved westward, has affected several regions, including Bicol, Northern Samar, Catanduanes, and Bohol. It packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

In the Bicol region, heavy rains began on Monday night, causing rivers to overflow and isolating five barangays in Ragay, Camarines Sur. Residents expressed their frustration, as this was not the first time they faced such problems.

Local officials are being urged to elevate the spillway to help prevent future flooding, as strong currents rendered boats ineffective for transportation.

Catanduanes also faced huge challenges, with floodwaters overwhelming communities. In San Andres, Barangay Divino Rostro experienced rising waters, leading to evacuations in nearby areas.

The situation worsened with landslides blocking key routes, and around 700 passengers found themselves stranded at San Andres Port, where they received food from local authorities.

Sorsogon City felt the storm’s impact too, with waist-high waters reported in Barangay Rizal. The flooding made travel difficult and affected many homes. Local disaster management teams are working hard to clear clogged drains to help reduce the flooding.

Northern Samar saw similar troubles, with families forced to evacuate as waters rose in Barangay Pagsang-an. Power outages added to the challenges, making communication tough for those in remote areas.

In Bohol, the provincial government suspended classes for kindergarten to high school students due to flooding in Tagbilaran City. With over 3,400 passengers stranded at ports, local officials are prioritizing safety as they brave the storm’s aftermath.

Tropical Storm Kristine’s impact on these regions serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather conditions.