Floods from Ylang-Ylang River force evacuations in Cavite, Batangas

Residents of Noveleta and Ternate, Cavite faced chest-deep floodwaters due to the overflow of the Ylang-Ylang River caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Forced evacuations were implemented in 16 barangays near the river in Noveleta as a red rainfall warning was issued on Thursday afternoon.

One resident expressed concern about not being able to enter their home because it is submerged, while another advised fellow residents to be cautious due to rapidly rising floodwaters.

In Ternate, residents living in coastal areas and near other bodies of water also had to leave their homes as water levels rose during high tide.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office reported that 500 families have evacuated since Wednesday night in Cavite, with the number expected to rise. A state of calamity has been declared in both Cavite and Batangas provinces.

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday afternoon according to PAGASA.