Heavy rains brought by the shear line and Tropical Depression “Wilma” triggered flash floods in parts of Albay and Camarines Sur on Saturday, affecting thousands of residents and disrupting travel across the Bicol region.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD 5) said 18 barangays were impacted, affecting 3,809 families or 3,994 individuals.
A total of 96 families, or 275 people, are currently staying in evacuation centers.
In Legazpi City, floodwaters covered the national road in Barangay Rawis, slowing vehicular traffic.
Flooding was also reported in Barangay Vel-Amor, where ongoing road construction added to the difficulties faced by motorists.
In Daraga town, knee-deep waters stalled motorcycles and forced smaller vehicles to wade through flooded streets.
In Guinobatan, the villages of Maguiron and Masarawag were inundated, with several roads—including Tandarora, Masarawag to Maninila, and Muladbucad Grande—rendered impassable.
In Garchitorena, Camarines Sur, the road in Sitio Balinad, Barangay San Vicente, was passable only to large vehicles.
Other affected roads included the Sta. Elena Baras spillway along the Waras River and the San Roque Madawon spillway in Nabua.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 4,142 passengers and 34 vessels were stranded in various Bicol ports due to the rough weather.
In Calabanga town, Camarines Sur, Barangays Sabang and Bunot Sta. Rosa were also hit by flooding.