CEBU CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned agencies to extend immediate assistance to families in Cebu who were affected by flashflood on Monday, July 8.
A BULLDOZER pulls a pickup truck out of a river in Carmen town, northern Cebu. Six passengers of the vehicle died while another remains missing after it was swept away by raging floodwater. Ten other passengers survived. (Photo from Carmen Mayor Carlo Villamor)
The President learned about the damage caused by the flood when he graced two events in Cebu on Tuesday, July 9.
“Before we start, I have received initial reports on the effects of heavy rains here in Cebu yesterday. They resulted in flash foods, structural collapse, and damage to property. At the moment, the concerned agencies are actively conducting S and R – search and rescue operations,” Marcos said during the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Marcos directed the Office of the President and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide assistance to the local government units affected by the flooding.
“Rest assured, national and local governments are working closely to bring speedy help to those who are affected by the heavy rains, especially in Carmen, in Minglanilla, and Cebu,” said Marcos.
In Carmen, six persons died after the pickup truck was swept by a strong river current on Monday afternoon.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/9/pickup-truck-swept-away-by-flashflood-in-cebu-minor-dies-6-missing
THE Costans during a photoshoot for their wedding. (FB)
Among those killed were Elmer, 25, and his 25-year-old pregnant wife Rhesamie Costan. The couple just got married last Saturday, July 6.
The couple was among the 17 passengers of a pickup truck that was swept away when a creek overflowed. The current brought the vehicle to a river where it was stuck in a big rock.
The body of 11-year-old Arshane Bejoc was first to be recovered on a shoreline in Barangay Loay, Carmen.
According to Carmen Mayor Carlo Villamor, the couple, along with four other fatalities, were found by rescuers and fishermen during a rescue operation on Tuesday. One passenger remained missing.
Rescued from the raging water were the driver of the vehicle, Ranilo Hermoso, 44, Princess Ann Ypil, 11; Debie Hermoso, 40; Ainsley Hermoso, 6; Jojelyn Tungal, 38; Mary Jaica Tungal, 16; May Stephanie Tungal, 14; Queen Ncoole Sencio, 4; Athea Gica, 4, and Jasmine Gica, 37.
The victims had just come from a party in a mountain resort in Carmen and were heading home when they met the tragedy.