Eastern Samar suffers shear line flooding

Eastern Samar — Heavy rains triggered by a shear line have affected more than 90,000 people here, leaving one fisherman dead and another rescued after their boat capsized, provincial disaster officials said Wednesday.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that as of Tuesday evening, 32,198 families — totaling 90,531 individuals — across 12 municipalities and Borongan City were impacted by days of intense rainfall.

The flooding reached critical levels over the weekend, forcing at least 717 families in Jipapad, Maslog, Balangiga and Arteche to flee their homes.

While most evacuees returned Monday as waters began to recede, several villages in seven towns remained flooded Tuesday afternoon.

The town of Maslog saw the most severe impact, with floodwaters reaching 5 meters in three downtown neighborhoods at the height of the deluge.

Authorities also confirmed the death of 50-year-old Anthony Flores, a fisherman from Llorente who went missing after venturing out to sea 2 January despite rough conditions. His body was recovered early Wednesday morning.

His companion, 25-year-old Ian Allestre, was rescued Monday in the town of Salcedo. Allestre told authorities their boat capsized Sunday afternoon in strong waves, separating the two men as they attempted to swim to shore.

Provincial officials said they are still assessing the extent of the damage to homes, agriculture and infrastructure. Weather conditions have reportedly improved since Monday.