CEBU, PHILIPPINES — A riprap along the Salvador River in Barangay Labangon collapsed on Monday afternoon, partly destroying two nearby houses and prompting an immediate response from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO).
The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, saw the CCDRRMO Special Rescue Squad dispatched within minutes to clear debris obstructing the river’s flow.
Responders began removing concrete fragments but were forced to suspend operations when heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise, creating unsafe conditions.
A five-member rescue team aboard Rescue 1, supported by the Quick Response Team (QRT-T10), remains on standby to resume clearing operations once conditions stabilize.
No fatalities, injuries, or evacuations were reported, though residents were reminded to remain vigilant and report emergencies through official channels.
The City’s Public Information Office confirmed that the collapsed structure was a riprap weakened by the recent surge of floodwaters that has battered Cebu City since last week. It has yet to be determined whether the structure was already old or was made of substandard materials.
Torrential rains since late last month have submerged lowland barangays, displaced families, and destroyed homes, with water levels in some areas rising to three to six meters.
The collapse of the Salvador River riprap adds to the growing list of flood-related damages, highlighting the strain on the city’s flood-control infrastructure.
The Cebu City government reiterated its call for vigilance, stressing that preparedness and community cooperation are vital as weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable.
Written by Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/IHM
