Heavy flooding hits Bicol due to shearline

By Rhaydz Barcia

Legazpi City --- Heavy flooding, reaching neck-deep in some areas, inundated the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon following continuous overnight rains caused by the shearline on Wednesday (January 8, 2025).

Flooding was also reported in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte, although water levels in these provinces were not as severe as in Albay and Sorsogon.

In Albay, Acting Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao ordered a localized suspension of classes and an early dismissal of work in all government offices, except those involved in public safety, disaster risk reduction, and health services.

“Due to the orange rainfall warning from PAGASA, which remains in effect as per Heavy Rainfall Warning No. 02 issued at 8:00 AM today, there is a significant threat of landslides, flooding, and river swelling in low-lying areas. For public safety, the Albay PDRRMC-APSEMO orders the following: localized suspension of face-to-face classes today; early dismissal of work in all government offices in Albay, except for public safety and disaster response agencies, effective at 12 noon today, January 8, 2025. Private offices are encouraged to consider early dismissal at their discretion,” Bongao stated.

She also directed local government units to carry out evacuations in flood-prone, landslide-prone, and lahar-risk areas. Small sea crafts were advised against sailing, and residents were warned to avoid crossing swollen rivers.

In Legazpi City, floodwaters reached chest- to neck-deep in low-lying areas, and landslides were reported in Barangay Buraguis due to the torrential rains. Evacuations were conducted in Barangay Maoyod as floodwaters continued to rise. PAGASA forecasts rainfall of 100–200 mm in Albay throughout the day until January 9.

Amid the heavy rainfall, a tragedy struck as a fire gutted a laundry shop in Legazpi City, claiming the life of Angelo Alcala, a first-year accountancy student at Bicol University. Alcala, a resident of Barangay Gangaw, Baleno, Masbate, was trapped inside the boarding house adjacent to the I.M. Laundromat in Barangay Ilawod, Legazpi City, following an explosion at 4:20 AM. The fire was declared out by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at 5:52 AM.

In Sorsogon, disaster responders rescued residents trapped by high floodwaters, with flooding reported as neck-deep in Barangay Burabod. The national highway and major thoroughfares were rendered impassable due to the torrential rains.

In Catanduanes, landslides occurred in Barangay Genitligan, Gigmoto, making the road between Genitligan and Gigmoto impassable.

Pagasa Advisory

PAGASA’s weather advisory at 11:00 AM warned of continuous heavy rainfall across Bicol and nearby regions until January 9.

Heavy to Intense (100–200 mm): Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.

Moderate to Heavy (50–100 mm): Camarines Norte, Masbate, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.

The rainfall outlook until Friday (January 10) and Saturday (January 11) suggests persistent heavy rains in Bicol and Eastern Visayas. Forecast rainfall may exceed projections in mountainous areas.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather updates.