Heavy flooding continues to devastate Camarines Sur, with nine towns fully submerged following severe rains from Tropical Storm Kristine. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed the extent of the flooding in a statement on Friday, emphasizing ongoing relief efforts to support affected communities.
“Currently, nine of CamSur’s 36 towns remain fully submerged, with six others partially flooded,” Marcos stated. “However, the province’s local government has responded swiftly with house-to-house food distribution, ensuring supplies reach every area,” he added, noting that additional food stocks are en route to support continued relief.
While food distribution is ongoing, logistical challenges persist. The President assured residents that air transport is being arranged to overcome the province’s limited access points. “We’ve established triage camps along the Maharlika Highway, which is still impassable, to distribute food and medical supplies on both sides of the cutoff,” he said.
The storm has left Naga City particularly hard-hit, with reports indicating that 30% of the city’s area was flooded, impacting 70% of its population. The local disaster management office attributes the flooding to a combination of heavy rains, high tides, overflow from the Bicol River, and water discharge from Mount Isarog.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian cited water and fuel shortages as immediate concerns, while efforts continue to work closely with local government units to prioritize critical areas and coordinate emergency response.