Shear line triggers floods, landslides in Luzon, Visayas
CITY OF CALAPAN—Continuous heavy rains brought by a shear line since Sunday have triggered flooding, landslides and widespread class and work suspensions across Oriental Mindoro, the Bicol region and parts of Eastern Visayas, leaving communities on high alert.
In Oriental Mindoro, rising water levels flooded several barangays in Baco, Naujan, Pola, Victoria and Socorro, forcing the cancellation of classes in these areas.
Rivers in the province, including the Alag, Longos, Bucayao and Panggalaan, reached critical levels, while sections of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway in Barangay Curva, Naujan, became impassable to light vehicles.
Several local governments also suspended work in affected municipalities, though offices providing essential services remain operational.
In Catanduanes, Gov. Patrick Alain Azanza ordered mandatory evacuation in high-risk areas, including San Miguel, Viga, Bato and Bagamanoc.
“Residents in low-lying areas, riverbanks, coastal zones and landslide-prone barangays must immediately move to safer ground,” Azanza said, warning that enforcement actions will be taken against those who refuse to comply.
Fatality
The rains claimed a life when a 32-year-old motorcyclist was swept away by floodwaters in Barangay Bigaa, Virac.
Police reported the man was returning home to Barangay Hicming, when he attempted to cross a flooded road near a diversion road intersection.
The strong current caused him to lose balance, hit his head and be carried away. Rescuers recovered the body and brought it to Eastern Bicol Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Other towns in Catanduanes, including Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Caramoran, San Miguel, Bato and Viga, reported flooded roads and landslides. Motorists were advised to exercise caution, and local governments suspended classes and work.
In Eastern Visayas, Northern and Eastern Samar also experienced floods and landslides, prompting authorities to suspend classes and government work.
Rivers, such as the Polangi in Catarman, were placed under red alert, and residents of nearby barangays were urged to evacuate or take precautionary measures.
Flooding in the towns of Arteche and Maslog in Eastern Samar displaced 51 families, totaling 648 individuals, who are now staying in designated evacuation centers. A landslide was reported in Barangay Somoge, Catarman, but no injuries were recorded.
The Philippine Coast Guard also suspended small-vessel travel in Lamon Bay, Quezon, and across coastal towns in Northern and Eastern Samar due to rough seas.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, a shear line occurs when the northeast monsoon or “amihan” meets the warm easterlies from the Pacific Ocean. —REPORTS FROM MADONNA T. VIROLA, JOEY A. GABIETA, IRE JOE V.C. LAURENTE. MA. APRIL MIER-MANJARES, MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN AND DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.
