Several towns across the Samar provinces are now enduring widespread flooding since last week after days of persistent rainfall, local authorities reported, as communities grapple with rising waters, disrupted daily life, and precautionary measures to protect residents.
In Jipapad, Northern Samar, floodwaters inundated the barangays of Poblacion 1 to 4 in the town proper, affecting more than 4,100 residents, according to official reports.
Across the neighbouring eastern province of Eastern Samar, a situational report released by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) shows that more than 74,000 people, equivalent to 22,084 families, have been affected by flooding in 11 municipalities.
These include Borongan City and the towns of Maslog, Dolores, Can-avid, Llorente, Balangiga, Arteche, Lawaan, Taft, Salcedo, Maydolong and San Julian.
The floodwaters, which in some areas reached shoulder-deep levels and up to five metres in Maslog, were the result of continuous rains caused by a shear line, a weather feature where masses of warm and cold air collide, bringing sustained downpours.
Local disaster officials said the rains began over the weekend and have persisted, overwhelming drainage systems and swelling rivers and creeks beyond their banks.
Although most evacuees have since returned to their homes, seven families remain in evacuation centres in Jipapad.
One person remains missing, while authorities confirmed that no significant damage to houses, agriculture or livestock has been reported so far, and main roads and bridges remain passable, the PDRRMO said.
In response to the situation, the provincial government of Eastern Samar issued an executive order on January 5 suspending classes at all levels in the province to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
The emergency operations center has been activated, and emergency response teams are on standby with relief goods prepositioned in strategic areas.
Local government disaster risk reduction offices have urged residents in low-lying communities to remain vigilant and heed official advisories, especially those living near rivers and flood-prone zones.
Officials continue to monitor weather conditions closely, warning that further heavy rain could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Traffic along some secondary roads was slowed as floodwaters partially submerged asphalt surfaces, and several barangays reported difficulties with mobility and access to essential services.
Emergency response teams are coordinating with barangay officials to assist affected families and maintain safe evacuation routes.
Authorities reiterated that residents should follow official advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and local disaster offices.
They stressed that preparedness and timely response remain critical as weather systems continue to impact the Visayas region in the coming days.
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