Tanauan, Leyte (February 8) -- In a matter of two hours, fourteen houses were washed out, one after the other, by big waves, on the shores of San Roque in the coastal municipality of Tanauan, Leyte, at around four o'clock in the afternoon of February 7.

Tanauan Mayor Roque A. Tiu said that the barangay residents of San Roque which is the biggest among the 54 barangays of the municipality, reported that big waves started to occur at around 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon.

Houses started to be washed out at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Fortunately, all the 57 dwellers in the 14 houses are safe and accounted for, except for one who was nailed when he jump from his house which is being washed away.

Their houses having been totally damaged, the 57 people have been evacuated to the nearby San Roque Elementary School which is only about 5 meters from where the totally destroyed houses were formerly standing, Mayor Tiu said.

Mayor Tiu identified the victims as the families of Alejo Barcilla; Ronald Urdame; Edilyn Salano; Macaria Monsaga; Ronilo Almo; Leonardo Campo; Silvino Tangpuz, Jr.; Gladys Barcilla; Leri Sabarillo; Claro Lumantao; Gorgonio Mansalay; Jils Monsaga; Rogel Barcilla; Belen Abalos; and Brenda Lumantao.

Mayor Tiu said that through the Philippine Information Agency, he was able to talk to Regional Disaster Coordinating Council Operations Center and Office of Civil Defense Administrative Officer Rey Gozon, who in turn coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 8 for possible assistance.

DSWD Director Letecia Corillo promised to send clothings and blankets for the victims, Mayor Tiu said.

Mayor Tiu added that he also contacted the Leyte Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council through Provincial Administrator Vincent Emnas, who immediately sent to Tanauan representatives of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

The Provincial Government of Leyte gave the victims, family food packs consisting of rice provision for several days, noodles and canned goods, Mayor Tiu informed as he thanked the Provincial Government for its speedy response to his call. The victims are extremely happy, Mayor Tiu added.

Continuous pouring of heavy rains was experienced in Leyte from Friday until Saturday which resulted to rough seas.

Mayor Tiu informed that the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council and the San Roque Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council, have already warned the residents near the shore to evacuate as big waves are expected especially at high tide between 8:00 o'clock in the evening to 1:00 o'clock the following morning.

Mayor Tiu bared that he has already requested the Sangguniang Bayan through Vice Mayor Agapito Pagayanan, Jr., to conduct a special session in order to allocate financial assistance for the victims.

Meanwhile, Mayor Tiu said that he will once again coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways to seek assistance in controlling the coastal erosion which is badly affecting the coastal barangays of Tanauan. (PIA 8)