Flash flood sweeps through Guinobatan, Albay carrying thick mud, sand, and large stones that quickly covered the road.
On early Saturday morning (January 17, 2026), residents of Guinobatan, Albay faced a frightening situation after a flash flood suddenly rushed through parts of Barangay Masarawag making it difficult to pass.
According to residents, the flood started around three o’clock in the early morning. At first, the water was already strong, but by around 6:00, it became even more powerful. The fast-moving water dragged sand and rocks along the road, leaving visible damage and blocking access for vehicles and people.
One resident, Mycel Balingasa Rance, shared that the water flowing through their area had a strong sulfur-like smell, which added to the fear of those affected. She explained that she had stayed at an evacuation center the night before to keep safe.
However, she returned home early in the morning to prepare food for her children, as they had nothing to eat.
Despite returning home briefly, she said she planned to go back to the evacuation center once the floodwaters went down. For now, she had no choice but to wait because the roads were no longer passable.
With mud and rocks covering the streets, there were no available vehicles that could safely travel in or out of the area.
The sudden flood caused worry among residents, especially families with children and elderly members. Many were caught off guard by how fast the water rose and how strong it became in just a few hours.
People remained alert as they watched the water continue to rush through the roads. Local residents are hoping for the floodwaters to subside soon so they can safely return to their homes or evacuation areas.
As of this writing, families in Barangay Masarawag are focused on staying safe and helping one another as they wait for the situation to improve.
In a previous post, a 14-year-old boy missing after being swept away by floodwaters in Albay
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