NAUJAN, Oriental Mindoro: At least 18 barangay (villages) in this town were submerged in knee- to chest-deep flood water due to the continuous rain that also rendered portions of the national highway impassable to light vehicles on Saturday.

Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) head Joery Geroleo told The Manila Times that Poblacion 1, Andres Ilagan, Buhangin, Santiago, Motoderazo, Pinagsabangan 1 and 2, Apitong, Barcenaga, Bagong Buhay, San Antonio, and San Agustin 2 in the eastern portion of the town have been submerged in waist-deep floodwater.

Geroleo added that some areas in Barangay Masagana, San Carlos, Nagiba 1, Mahabang Parang and San Andres in the western part have chest-deep waters, and responders are having a hard time in reaching out to the affected residents.

According to data from the MDRRMO, 49 families or 188 individuals have been evacuated from their houses, and most of them are temporarily sheltered in barangay halls and evacuation centers. Others have opted to stay with relatives on safer grounds.

Geroleo added that relief goods are being prepared for distribution to the evacuees. The food packs came from the stock of the municipality and from private donors.

Also submerged in floodwaters are the villages of Sta. Rosa 1, Alag, Burbuli, Catwiran 1, Malapad Mangangan 1 and 2, and Mayabig in the town of Baco.

Baco MDRRMO head Cesar Maliwanag, however, said that as of Saturday, January 21, they have not received any reports of evacuation.