Tropical Depression Verbena unleashed devastating floods across southern Cebu towns on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, submerging homes in chest-deep waters and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their properties.
Resident Describes Terrifying Flood Experience
Akim Montemayor, a 53-year-old resident of Sitio Makakagahum Lower in Barangay San Rafael, Barili, described the terrifying moment when floodwaters from the Santa Anna River overflowed and invaded his home around 1:00 AM. The water level rose rapidly to heights exceeding a person's head, reaching nearly the roof of his single-story house.
Montemayor immediately evacuated his family and neighbors to higher ground after being awakened by his brother-in-law. He attributed the sudden flooding to the combined effect of high tide and strong water currents from the mountains.
"The flood destroyed everything," Montemayor recounted. "I couldn't save any personal belongings, everything was swept away by the floodwaters, including my livestock."
The floodwaters began to recede around 4:00 AM and completely disappeared by 6:00 AM, leaving behind damaged homes and a community without electricity and clean water.
Multiple Municipalities Affected by Severe Flooding
According to Dennis Pastor, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the intense rains brought by Tropical Depression Verbena triggered flooding in several municipalities including:
- Barili
- Carcar
- Dumanjug
- Ronda
Richel Montemayor of the Barili Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) reported that at least seven barangays were affected by the Santa Anna River overflow after 2:00 AM on Tuesday:
- Poblacion
- Santa Anna
- San Rafael
- Guibuangan
- Gunting
- Campanga
- Mantayupan
Fortunately, the LDRRMO confirmed no casualties, injuries, or missing persons in Barili. A total of 126 families or 425 individuals were pre-emptively evacuated before the storm and have since returned to their homes.
Government Response and Ongoing Assessments
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally visited the flood-affected areas to assess the situation and determine the needs of residents. She praised local government units for conducting pre-emptive evacuations that likely prevented casualties.
The Provincial Capitol has already dispatched emergency assistance including:
- 1,000 hot meals
- Food packs
- Clean water
In neighboring Carcar City, Mayor Patrick Barcenas confirmed no injuries or deaths were recorded. Floodwaters have receded in Barangays Poblacion I, II, and III, allowing residents to return to their homes.
The Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City experienced flooding on its ground floor starting at 1:00 AM, with water reaching ankle-level before receding by 6:00 AM. Patients and medical staff were promptly evacuated to higher floors.
Mayor Barcenas noted that despite the city's flood-control system, incomplete portions of the project may have contributed to water spreading to adjacent communities. At least 300 families were pre-emptively evacuated in Carcar City.
Damage assessment continues across affected municipalities to determine the appropriate assistance from local government units. Residents like Akim Montemayor have appealed for immediate aid including hot meals, clean water, and dry clothing as their communities face ongoing power and water outages.
