Waves damage 45 houses in Misor

WAVES spawned by an abnormal rise in seawater level hit the towns of Jasaan and Initao in Misamis Oriental yesterday, destroying 45 houses.

Fernando Dy, chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said a succession of waves swamped 20 houses in Bobontugan, Jasaan yesterday.

A few hours later, Dy said, four-foot waves swept 25 houses along the shores of Initao.

He said no casualties were reported as all the occupants managed to escape to safety.

Waves were also reported in Gracia, Tagoloan.

“We are still collating the number of residents affected right now,” he said.

The official said the local governments have given assistance to affected families.

Classes were suspended in the towns of Jasaan, Opol, Tagoloan, Gitagum, Manticao, Claveria, Libertad, Naawan, Lagonglong, Initao and Balingasag.

Nicole Managbanag, capitol spokesperson, said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council recommended the suspension of classes in all levels as communities took preventive measures following days of rain.

There were landslides reported in Sta. Ana in Tagoloan town, and a Misamis Oriental road leading to Malitbog in Bukidnon.

Bad weather also prevented Sen. Cynthia Villar from coming over to grace the 4th anniversary celebration of Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano’s Misorcares program in Lagonglong. Her son, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, was also supposed to come.

“Akong gitawagan si Sen. Villar nga dili nalang ipugos pag anhi tungod sa dautan nga panahon,” said Emano.

The stateun Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued at 4:45 am Thursday a severe thunderstorm alert in the province.

Schools were disrupted due to bad weather conditions in Cagayan de Oro. The Department of Education suspended classes in elementary and high schools.

Jonathan  dela Peña, schools division superintendent in the city, said he decided to suspend classes early as a precaution.

In Iligan City, Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, who is serving as acting mayor, also suspended elementary grade and high school classes after consultations as rains pelted relentlessly since Wednesday night.

Vera Cruz said a number of areas in Iligan were flooded after creeks and rivers overflowed.

Hours later, at around 1:50 pm, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a heavy rainfall  advisory, hoisting the a “yellow warning” level in Misamis Oriental.

Pagasa’s “yellow warning” means that local government and communities should start monitoring weather conditions amd possible floodings especially in low-lying areas.

The warning also covers Dinagat, Bukidnon, Lanao  del  Norte, Surigao del  Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan    del Norte, Agusan del  Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental.

Light to moderate  rains affected portions           of  Camiguin, Compostela  Valley, Davao del Sur,  Davao City, Davao  Occidental, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga  del Norte,  Zamboanga  Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao del  Sur, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and nearby areas. (Froilan Gallardo, Shiela Mae Butlig, Nitz Arancon and Nora Sorino)