The province of Cagayan has been placed under state of calamity by Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, as widespread flooding continues in the province.

The flooding was caused by the rains brought by Typhoon Ulysses and the tail end of a cold front. The release of water from Magat Dam also contributed to the situation.

As of 12 noon, November 14, Cagayan Provincial Information Office reports that flooding has affected 288 barangays in the province and 37,327 individuals were forced to evacuate. 

The water rose unexpectedly, November 13, Friday night which made it hard to evacuate, leaving residents stranded on the roofs of their houses.

Pleas for immediate rescue are circulating online since Friday and #CagayanNeedsHelp trended on Twitter and Facebook.

The rescue operations were halted November 13, Friday night because the live wires in the flooded areas grounded the water, but operations resumed at daybreak on Saturday, November 14.

Governor Mamba reported that floods have left nine people dead – four died in a landslide, two drowned, while three were electrocuted. 

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Jermaine Ocampo