Several churches in the Bicol region have suffered severe damage as relentless rains from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continue to cause widespread flooding.
In Nabua, Camarines Sur, knee-deep floodwaters infiltrated the Holy Cross Parish, while the main roads in the town remain impassable. In Baao, Camarines Sur, St. Bartholomew Parish was hit hard, with floodwaters reaching chest height, leaving wooden pews floating inside the church.
Meanwhile, over 200 people took refuge in the Polangui Parish Church in Albay. However, as floodwaters rose, vulnerable evacuees, including pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and the sick, were relocated to safer areas within the church, such as the altar and the priests’ quarters.
Widespread Impact in Bicol
The entire Bicol region, including provinces such as Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon, remains under Signal No. 1 as of Thursday afternoon, according to PAGASA. Torrential rains have caused significant flooding, with more than 20 fatalities reported across the region.