MORE than 20 houses submerged in floodwater in Silay City as heavy rains, which started Wednesday, continue throughout the province.

On Wednesday, a six-foot flood was recorded in Purok Paradise, Barangay Rizal inundating several houses and damaging furniture and appliances.

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Roads connecting the community to the city public market were also closed due to strong flood current.

Last Saturday, the same area was also submerged in floodwater around 2 a.m. due to incessant downpour.

Rizal Barangay captain Renato Palermo already warned all residents to stay vigilant amid the heavy rains or better evacuate important and valuable belongings to areas that cannot be reached by the flood.

Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano also advised his constituents, especially those in affected areas, to prepare so that if floodwater continues to rise, it will be easy to evacuate these areas.

"We are just waiting for the report to be submitted by the urban planning committee so the city can move with its plans on how to solve such problem," he added.

Montelibano said 10 areas around Silay City have been recorded as flood zones.

The City Health Office, meanwhile, said residents must be careful with the water they drink and the food they eat especially during the rainy season.

"It is not advisable to drink water coming from the well or eat foods that are not cooked properly." (JOC)

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(January 5, 2009 issue)
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