'Crising' affects 500 families in Quezon, isolates Bicol towns

MANILA, Philippines - Rains and floods brought by tropical depression "Crising" have forced the evacuation of at least 500 families in Quezon province and isolated several areas in Bicol. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Friday that as of 1 p.m. Thursday, 10 villages in Lucena City were flooded, forcing the families to leave their homes. In a situation report on its Web site (www.ndcc.gov.ph), the NDCC said 500 families or 2,500 persons were brought to six elementary schools in Barangay 1, Ibabang Dupay, 5, 7, 9, and 10. On the other hand, isolated landslides and flash floods were reported in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Masbate provinces in Bicol. At Catanduanes, areas along Bucon and Inalmasinan Rivers were flooded, while in San Miguel town, crops along the riverside were submerged and animals drowned. Landslides were recorded at Paraiso, Pagsanghan and Boton villages, while flash floods were recorded in Sagrada and Hinipaan villages. The road network from Virac to Bagamanoc was rendered impassable. In Camarines Norte, portions of Daang Maharlika near Daguit were impassable, with motorists bound for Manila advised to take an alternate route via Quirino Highway. San Vicente town was isolated after a temporary bridge was washed out. In Mercedes town, one bridge and one spillway were washed out. In Masbate, some areas were flooded, the NDCC said. - GMANews.TV