Residents evacuated, passengers stranded as severe flooding hits Cebu City anew

Local

HEAVY rains that poured over Cebu City for nearly four hours on Thursday afternoon, July 30, triggered widespread flooding across major roads and residential communities, prompting emergency monitoring, traffic advisories, evacuation calls, and rollout of free bus rides for stranded commuters.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) reported flooding in at least 16 areas across the city, with floodwaters ranging from below knee-deep to chest-deep.

In some communities, water reportedly reached the first and even second floors of houses.

One of the most critical situations was reported in Sitio Dakit in Barangay Guadalupe, where residents sought immediate evacuation after floodwaters reportedly rose to the level of a basketball ring. The area was inaccessible to vehicles, according to emergency reports.

In Barangay Tisa, flooding in Tambisan reportedly reached the second floor of a structure, while in Sitio Sacred Heart in Labangon, floodwaters entered the first floor of homes.

Other affected communities included Villa Paloma Subdivision, Bonifacio Street, Katipunan Street in Labangon, Sabellano Street in Punta, M.J. Cuenco Street in Tinago, Zapatera Elementary School, and portions of N. Bacalso Avenue in Kinasang-an, Tagunol, and Basak Pardo.

Floodwaters also submerged areas in front of Elizabeth Mall (Emall), where water reached waist level, and parts of Ayala Access Road, which remained passable despite flooding.

The city's transportation office also reported flooding along several major thoroughfares, disrupting traffic during the afternoon rush hour.

According to the Cebu City Transportation Office, flooded roads included Legaspi Street corner V. Gullas Street, M.J. Cuenco Avenue corner T. Padilla Street, Colon Street, P. del Rosario Street corner Jakosalem Street, Kinasang-an, Bayanihan, Xiamen Street and Kaoshiung Street near SM City Cebu, N. Bacalso Avenue near Emall, and P. Lopez Street corner Magallanes Street.

Motorists were advised to expect traffic delays and use alternate routes where possible.

Aside from flooding, the CCDRRMO also monitored a landslide in Miramonte, Barangay Pit-os, where debris occupied half of a roadway, partially obstructing traffic.

Authorities simultaneously monitored water levels in nine rivers and creeks across Cebu City, including Mahiga, Parian, Kinalumsan, Tagunol, Guadalupe, Bulacao, Tejero-Tinago, Lahug, and Butuanon.

Among the recorded readings, Tagunol River registered about four meters, the highest level posted on the monitoring board. Mahiga River reached about 2.5 meters, Tejero-Tinago measured around two meters, while Bulacao River remained below 1.5 meters.

As flooding stranded commuters in several parts of the city, the Cebu City Government announced free bus rides beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday to assist residents affected by the heavy downpour.

The buses were deployed along four routes covering Bulacao, Guadalupe, Talamban, and Lahug, with City Hall serving as the central terminal.

Mayor Nestor Archival urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded areas whenever possible, monitor official advisories issued by the city government, and take advantage of the free bus service if needed.

Emergency responders continued monitoring flooded communities and river systems Thursday afternoon as intermittent rains persisted over parts of the city.(TGP)