Typhoon Pedring triggers flooding in Cam Sur towns

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City, September 26 (PIA) -- A day before typhoon signal 2 was hoisted over other Bicol provinces including Camarines Sur, residents near river banks and bodies of water were already alerted to keep a close watch for the occurrence of flash floods and landslides which could be triggered by the continuous down fall of rain.

In Minalabac, Mayor Gil Basmayor confirmed that most of the farm lots in their municipality are already submerged in floodwater.

In an interview, Basmayor expressed his dismay over the unfortunate fate of the farmers who have just finished planting palay seeds just a few weeks back and would lose the chance of their crop’s survival due to the large volume of waters that have accumulated in their farms.

Basmayor said that affected barangays included San Juan , San Lorenzo, Irayang Sulong, Baliuag Viejo , Del Carmen, Del Rosario, including areas around the Poblacion.

Several families already evacuated to safe grounds for fear that water upsurge will miserably flood their dwellings.

In Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur, seven families transferred in Caranan South Elementary School , 5 families in Bula, Camarines also took refuge at Bula National High School while 20 families evacuated from Butawanan, Siruma, Camarines Sur.

One hundred (100) passengers were stranded in various ports in the province: 20 in Pasacao Port , 4 in Sangay, 20 from Sabang Port while 56 have no choice but stay at Tamban Port in Tinambac, Camarines Sur.

This morning, reports of 6 missing fishermen from Caranan, Pasacao reached the Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC). They were identified as Leopoldo Nidea, 37 years old; Doikyam- 35 years old and Oliver Nidea, 28 years old. They were able to return after hours of struggling their way to Animasola Island , located at the boundary of Balatan and Burias.

Still missing are Francis Baqouinia, 23 years old; Danilo Delos Santos , 29 and Domingo Harol, 16 years old. They sailed from Pasacao unknowing that typhoon Pedring is starting to affect the province.

Twenty-seven (27) fishermen from Mercedes, Camarines Norte was lucky to survive the big waves but found themselves in the town of Siruma . They are now safely tucked at the Butawanan Day Care Center in Siruma, Camarines Sur.

Major Angelo Guzman, Spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division based at Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur also confirmed the pre positioning of their teams in various land slide prone areas in any case of emergency. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camariens Sur)

FICELCO explains causes of brownouts in Catanduanes

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 26 (PIA) -- First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) has released updates regarding the power situation in the province amid constant brownouts being experienced by member consumers province wide.

According to the report, load shedding schedules were implemented from September 18, 2011 up to present which is due to power supply deficiency, (mini-hydro power plants: Solong, Obi and Balongbong have low water level and Catanduanes Power Generation Inc. (CPGI) 3.6 MW Daihatsu is under maintenance).

FICELCO added that today, their total power reaches 4.55 MW during day load with a demand of 5.5 MW with Monark with 3 units at 850 kW each unit, Power Barge 110 with 3 units at 400 each unit and Viga Diesel Power Plant with 2 units at 400 kW each unit. Furthermore, FICELCO said that their hydro power plants are being reserved for peak load since they have a deficiency of 1,000 kW or MW.

In line with this, an emergency Board Meeting with Power Suppliers will also be conducted Friday, September 23, discussing the following resolutions: FICELCO will possibly rent a mobile genset to augment the power supply deficiency; Per NPC advice, Marinawa Diesel Power Plant and 1 unit Power Barge is under restoration to contribute in the current power supply;

Deployment of 2 mobile crews of the Marinawa Office for vening-detailed; Scheduled load shedding one week before implementation; All hydro plants to shutdown (from 12mn to 4 pm) the following day in preparation for the peak load; Tenderlinemen to closely monitor the Solong MHPP load.

They also stressed that FICELCO Management and Board of Directors and the power suppliers are working hand-in-hand to resolve the current power supply deficiency.

They are also encouraging the stakeholders and end-users to minimize the use of electricity and to be always ready with candles and lamps during night time. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Classes suspended due to typhoon Pedring

VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 26 (PIA) -- Classes in all levels of public and private schools in the province were suspended amid the passing of typhoon "Pedring" in the province.

Weather disturbance brought by Pedring also caused the cancellation of flights via Manila to Virac and vice versa. Vessels are also not allowed to sail due to big wvaes and strong winds.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) noted a number of landslides in the municipality of Viga, Catanduanes.

Roads in some areas are also not passable due to flash floods and heavy rain.

Moreover, MDRRMCs are advised to take appropriate actions and raise warnings in their area of jurisdictions. (EAB, PIA Catanduanes)