By CHRIS PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — At least 552 families or 2,306 individuals from 17 barangays in Butuan City were affected by flooding Saturday as heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm “Uwan” (international name: Fung-Wong) continued to batter the city and nearby areas.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has placed the city under red alert to allow faster coordination among government agencies and local authorities in case of emergencies.
The City Government of Butuan urged residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to remain on alert and to coordinate with their respective barangay officials should evacuation become necessary.
Floodwaters rose rapidly in Barangays Pigdaulan, Lemon, Basag, and Pianing following hours of torrential rain since Friday night. In Pigdaulan, village chief Dindo Hidalgo appealed to residents living along creeks and riverbanks to evacuate early as water levels continued to rise.
Authorities also warned of possible landslides and storm surges in upland and coastal communities.
As of 11:16 a.m., the Ampayon Road near the Rotunda and public market was not passable to small vehicles due to deep flooding, although large trucks and buses could still pass with caution. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes and to slow down because of slippery roads and ongoing clearing of fallen trees.
Traffic is heavily congested along the national highway of Ampayon, Butuan City as flood waters continue to rise despite light rain, November 8.
In a Facebook post by the USG President, Shanyce Repollo, the university gymnasium is currently open as an evacuation area for those boarding students who are affected by the flood.
Additionally, the CSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office offers a standby vehicle for transport and relocation of stranded CSUans from their respective boarding houses.
The Mahay–Tagabaca road remained passable but with water pooling in several sections, prompting the City Traffic and Transport Management Department (CTTMD) to advise drivers to slow down for safety.
Floodwaters also made parts of the National Highway in Barangay Sto. Niño accessible only to large vehicles, as smaller ones risked stalling in the deep water.
The city government reminded motorists not to force their way through flooded sections and to wait for waters to subside to avoid accidents.
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