The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental intensified its search and rescue operations for an elderly man who went missing after being swept away by flash floods in Barangay Maloh, Siaton.

Lt. Senior Grade Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of the Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, said search teams have expanded their operations to nearby coastal areas, including the waters off the adjacent town of Zamboanguita and Siaton.

“Our personnel are conducting search operations at sea while other responders, together with local disaster response teams, are scouring areas along the river in Barangay Maloh,” Enopia said in an interview.

The missing person was identified as Enrique Alabata, 66 years old, a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Maloh.

Initial investigation showed that Alabata was inside his nipa hut when flash floods swept him away during heavy rains.

Enopia said rescuers and residents were unable to conduct an immediate rescue because of the strong floodwaters at the height of the incident.

Class suspension

Meanwhile, Governor Manuel Sagarbarria ordered the suspension of classes in the municipalities of Siaton and Zamboanguita on Tuesday following heavy rains and severe weather that triggered flooding and landslides.

The adverse weather was brought about by a low pressure area and localized thunderstorms affecting parts of Negros Oriental.

An initial report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said a rockslide blocked a barangay road in Barangay Caticugan, Siaton.

PDRRMO personnel, led by Executive Director Adrian Sedillo, coordinated with local emergency responders to clear the road of debris, while heavy equipment from the Provincial Engineering Office was placed on standby for possible deployment. (PNA)