Residents of Saguingan 2 in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal were evacuated after floodwaters from a nearby landfill leaked into their community.
Ariel Sales, officer-in-charge of the Rizal Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), confirmed residents’ accounts that the black-colored water, which emitted vapor and reached neck-deep levels, originated from the landfill.
He added that the floodwater may have contained methane, a gas that can be harmful if inhaled.
The toxic flood subsided after two hours.
Sixteen families, totaling 54 individuals, were evacuated and temporarily sheltered at a basketball court in Sitio Tanag.
No one was reported hurt during the flooding.
They eventually returned to clean-up their homes on Friday, Aug. 15.
The official explained that despite the light rains, there might be some water that accumulated on top of the landfill, causing it to leak.
The PDRRMO is still investigating the incident. (Patrick Garcia)
