Photo courtesy of Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental
The Philippine Coast Guard has expanded search and rescue operations for a 66-year-old man who went missing after being swept away by flash floods in Siaton, Negros Oriental.
Authorities identified the missing man as Enrique Alabata, a resident of Purok 1 in Barangay Maloh, Siaton.
Lt. Senior Grade Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, said Tuesday that search teams had widened their coverage to nearby coastal waters.
She said Coast Guard personnel were searching at sea, including waters off Siaton and neighboring Zamboanguita, while other responders were checking areas along the river in Barangay Maloh.
Initial findings showed that Alabata was inside his nipa hut when strong floodwaters swept him away during heavy rains.
Enopia said rescuers and residents were unable to immediately reach him because of the strength of the floodwaters at the height of the incident.
Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria also ordered the suspension of classes in Siaton and Zamboanguita on Tuesday due to heavy rains, flooding, and landslides triggered by a low-pressure area and localized thunderstorms.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said a rockslide blocked a barangay road in Caticugan, Siaton, prompting responders to clear debris while heavy equipment from the Provincial Engineering Office was placed on standby.