SAN JOSE, Antique – Strong waves brought about by the southwest monsoon and enhanced by tropical storm “Maring” destroyed a seawall in the coastal municipality of Sebaste.
Waves battered the seawall until it finally gave way on Tuesday night, said Poblacion Punong Barangay Gregorio Bendol.
“The seawall, about 100 meters in length, was constructed about five years ago,” he said.
Its construction was funded under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Following its collapse, three families composed of 15 individuals were immediately evacuated. Their houses got flooded and were eventually damaged.
“We are taking care of the evacuees in our barangay hall,” said Bendol.
Three other families opted to remain in their houses despite being partially damaged.
Bendol said around P2 million may be needed to rebuild the seawall.
Meanwhile, five families of 30 individuals who were residents of Barangay Aras-asan in the same municipality have returned to their homes after being temporarily evacuated to the Aras-asan Elementary School on Tuesday night.
Aras-asan Punong Barangay Shirley Mana-ay of Sebaste said the high tide caused cracks on two concrete houses and partially damaged four other houses made of light materials, so they have to evacuate the families living in those structures.
Seawater usually floods their barangay due to the absence of a seawall to serve as a barrier.
Mana-ay said they need around P5 million to construct a seawall. (PNA)
