BALETE, Batangas – Seven individuals were reported missing after their house was washed away by a flash flood in Sitio Siatin, Barangay San Sebastian, this town, on Friday morning, Oct. 25.
A STREET in Balete, Batangas. (Wikipedia)
Police identified the missing as Rodrigo M. Falceso, 47; Analyn R. Mendoza, 39; Jemalyn Mendoza, 22; Simplicio Mendoza, 84; Rogelio R. Mendoza, 56; Rowena R. Mendoza, 51, and Jessie M. Ocampo, 29.
Authorities encouraged them to evacuate for their safety due to inclement weather. However, they opted remain in their house.
An hour later, a flash flood hit their house which was washed away towards Taal Lake.
Edwin R. Mendoza, Water Search and Rescue member, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported to police that several persons are missing because of a landslide at 6 a.m. on Friday.
Authorities proceeded to the area to conduct search and rescue operations but did not find the victims.