The Bicol Region was not spared from the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine, leading to widespread flooding.
In a social media post by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol, the RDRRMC Bicol Emergency Operations Center reported that they could no longer respond to calls for help due to the severe flooding, particularly in areas like Camarines Sur, Albay, and Naga City.
The local government advised residents to seek temporary shelter in safe areas, assuring them that rescue operations would continue to the best of their ability.
In Naga City's Panganiban Drive, water levels reportedly rose to over 5 feet.
Former Vice President Leni Rodrigo took to social media to seek additional motorboats or bumboats to rescue affected residents.
"Reiterating our urgent plea for pump boats. People have been stuck on roofs of their houses for several hours now. Many of our rescue trucks have stalled due to the floods," Robredo said.
According to a report by DZRH News Naga, several houses in Camarines Sur were submerged in floodwaters, with some appearing to be swept away by strong currents, many residents have called for immediate rescue.
A DLTB bus with plate number 1407 was stranded in Naga City around 1 a.m., with passengers also requesting rescue assistance.
Flooding was reported at a mall in Naga City, as well as in the public market at Sipocot, Camarines Sur.
A rescue operation has already been conducted in Naga City.
In Camarines Norte, strong winds damaged several homes, while a landslide occurred in Brgy. Sugcad, Polangui, Albay.
Preemptive evacuations have already been conducted in Albay.
As of 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, with minimal to minor impacts expected from strong winds.
Tropical storm "Kristine" is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday, October 25.
