2 Children, Grandfather Dead, 1 Missing as Flash Flood Hits Biliran

A tragic flash flood swept through Barangay Bilwang in Kawayan, Biliran on Friday afternoon, September 26, 2025, leaving two children and their grandfather dead, while another child remains missing.

Authorities identified the fatalities as a 4-year-old girl, a 12-year-old girl, and their 63-year-old grandfather, known by the alias “Gil.” Their lifeless bodies were discovered inside the Bilwang barangay hall after they were carried away by floodwaters triggered by Typhoon Opong.

Initial reports from local disaster officials revealed that the river near the family’s home swelled rapidly, causing a sudden surge of water that engulfed their house. The victims were unable to escape in time and drowned as the floodwaters rose.

Residents and barangay officials immediately launched a search operation and later recovered the bodies of the three victims. However, rescue teams are still searching for a 7-year-old child who remains missing as of press time.

Search and retrieval operations are being conducted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Philippine Coast Guard, and community volunteers.

Typhoon Opong has brought heavy rains across parts of the Visayas, triggering flash floods and landslides in several areas. Authorities have urged residents living near rivers and low-lying communities to evacuate to safer grounds as a precaution against further flooding.

Local officials expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and assured that support and assistance will be extended to them.