By Rowena Cruz The Alitao River in Tayabas City has breached its spillway, causing widespread flooding in Barangay Ayaas. Floodwaters have r...
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| The Alitao River in Tayabas City has breached its spillway, causing widespread flooding in Barangay Ayaas. Floodwaters have reached the covered court, indicating significant inundation in the area. (Photo from Barangay Captain Cris Empamano) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - Typhoon Kristine has brought heavy rains and strong winds to Quezon province, causing significant flooding in Barangay Ayaas, Tayabas City. The Alitao River has overflowed its spillway, with floodwaters reaching the covered court as seen in photos and videos shared by Barangay Captain Cris Empamano today, October 24, 2024 showing the extent of the flooding.
Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso has issued urgent calls for residents near the river to evacuate to higher ground. Forced evacuations are being implemented in cooperation with barangay officials and partner agencies to ensure the safety of those living in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) CALABARZON has issued a statement denying rumors circulating on social media that the Dumacaa River Irrigation System would be releasing water, further exacerbating the flooding.
NIA clarified that the Dumacaa River Irrigation System utilizes diversion dams, which means the water level in the irrigation canals mirrors the river's water level. These dams do not have the capacity to store or release large volumes of water like reservoir dams.
Tayabas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head, Dra. Rosario Paderes-Bandelaria, confirmed that the water level in the dam is not rising and that the Facebook post spreading this false information is untrue. This has been verified by Punong Barangay Zeny Lubiano, who is currently monitoring the dam area.
NIA CALABARZON urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to rely on official sources like their barangay or the local government unit (LGU) for accurate updates.
The situation in Tayabas City remains critical as floodwaters continue to rise. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. (with news reports from Joshua Miguel Suarez, RP1 Lucena)
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