Tropical Depression Verbena unleashed devastating floods across southern Cebu on November 25, 2025, submerging communities and forcing emergency evacuations as hours of relentless rain overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems.
Hospital Crisis in Carcar City
In Carcar City, residents found themselves wading through knee-deep floodwaters that transformed streets into murky rivers. The situation turned critical when floodwaters surged into the Cebu Provincial Hospital, completely inundating the first floor of the medical facility.
Hospital staff acted quickly to move patients and essential medical equipment to higher areas within the building, preventing potential casualties but disrupting healthcare services in the process.
Barili Community Devastated by Flash Flood
Meanwhile, in Barangay San Rafael, Barili, families faced a different kind of disaster. A sudden flash flood tore through the village after the Sta. Ana River violently overflowed its banks during the heavy rains.
Residents worked desperately through thick mud to salvage whatever belongings remained intact after the waters receded. The flash flood left a trail of destruction, tearing through homes and depositing debris throughout the community.
Climate Vulnerability Exposed
The tropical depression exposed the acute vulnerability of low-lying and riverside communities in southern Cebu to extreme weather events. Within just a few hours, Verbena managed to submerge entire towns, disrupt essential services, and leave residents confronting the familiar task of cleaning up after nature's fury.
As recovery efforts continue, the November 25 flooding serves as another stark reminder of the region's susceptibility to tropical weather systems and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas.
