THE Sogod Municipal Government in northern Cebu has started to deepen and widen Ongon River to prevent it from overflowing again during a heavy downpour.

On the evening of October 25, 2021, over 200 families were evacuated and five barangays in Sogod were affected during a severe flooding when the river swelled. The affected villages were Poblacion, Bagatayam, Damolog, Bawo and Ibabao.

Vice Mayor Lisa Marie Durano-Streegan conducted an ocular inspection in the area near Ongon River on Wednesday, November 3, to check the river's condition.

The inspection was conducted with the team from the Cebu Provincial Engineering Office deployed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Streegan said in her Facebook page.

On Thursday, November 4, Streegan said the governor sent a backhoe to start the dredging and dissilting operations on Ongon River.

Meanwhile, the families affected by the flood have received housing materials worth over P262,000. The distribution were led by Streegan and her husband Mayor Richard Streegan.

The vice mayor said they are looking for ways to fast-track the release of cash assistance to the families this November. (PR)