13 families in Liliw village alerted over torrential rains, river swelling

LILIW, Laguna – Around 13 families in Barangay Bayate in Laguna's eastern and highland town of Liliw have been alerted by village officials here amid torrential rains and flash floods induced by thunderstorm overnight until Tuesday.

Barangay Bayate Councilor Kevin Pamatmat reported that the village leaders are prepared for any forced evacuation in coordination with the local disaster risk reduction and management office here as the river swelled and inundated up to the river banks.

Pamatmat said the river surge destroyed and drifted the temporary wooden bridge that was constructed "bayanihan" style by village officials and volunteer residents about a week ago.

According to the village councilor, the vital bridge connects Liliw's two barangays Bayate and Sta. Lucia where residents and students who traverse the bridge in attending school.

Most of the village settlements are also located near the elevated river banks.

It was reported that several students failed to attend classes and residents suspended their usual farm chores Tuesday morning as the river continued to swell due to intermittent downpour.

Officials also cautioned villagers not to cross the river to avoid any untoward incident brought by the river surge.

Pamatmat said the Sangguniang Barangay officials and adjacent villagers are set to construct a new wooden bridge with good weather permitting.

He said residents here were advised by village leaders to take caution and on alert for any eventuality due to still cloudy skies that may bring in heavy downpour and induce flash floods. (PNA)