Floods hit parts of Cebu, Mandaue on New Year's day

CEBU CITY -- Heavy rainfall in Metro Cebu caused massive flooding in some areas of the city, with flood waters in some streets reaching knee level. In Barangay Basak, Tipolo, Subangdaku and Hi-way in Mandaue City, flood waters rose to knee level even if the city has already installed a new drainage system. In Cebu City, hundreds were trapped outside a big mall when rain water completely covered the streets in Barangay Mabolo. Stranded shoppers complained about the poor drainage system in the mall, which has always caused problems during the rainy season. Meanwhile, fire razed two houses in Barangay Santa Cruz, Pelaex Extension Wednesday evening. Fire started at the first floor of the house of Roger Orosa at 9:35 p.m. An estimated P150,000 worth of properties were damaged in the blaze, which was controlled 15 minutes after it started. But four hours after, the apartment beside Orosa's house was also hit by fire. Fortunately, the boarders of the apartment were not inside when the incident occurred. No casualties were reported in the two fire incidents. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is investigating if faulty electrical wiring caused the blaze.