Residents of Barangay Umapad Continue to Evacuate Amid Tropical Depression Wilma

In Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, evacuees remain sheltered inside the barangay gym due to the persistent effects of Tropical Depression Wilma. Initially, officials had planned for residents to return home on Friday, December 5. However, Barangay Captain Reb "Biboy" Cortes announced that it was still unsafe for residents to go back because of the continuing storm impact.

According to Cortes, between six to eight houses have been severely damaged, and many residents are hesitant to return due to the lack of electricity, water supply, and widespread flooding around their properties.

Among those staying at the evacuation center is Lorena Montebon, who shared that the current flooding has brought back painful memories of Typhoon Tino, which caused significant damage to her home in the past. She explained that floodwaters rose drastically, forcing her family to seek refuge on their roof as water reached the second floor of their house.

Montebon and her family have been residing at the Umapad Gym evacuation center for nearly a month. Another resident, Nenita Del Carmen, expressed the difficulty of returning to her residence after discovering that her house had been washed away by the floodwaters.

The local government continues to monitor the situation, prioritizing the safety of residents amid the effects of Tropical Depression Wilma.