2 days ago
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CEBU CITY — What began as a grandmother's routine errand ended in tragedy after raging floodwaters swept her away, leading to a search that also ended in a heartbreak.
Gregoria Colita Podot, 84, was found dead on June 16 at Sitio Cambaga, Barangay Ginabucan in Catmon town, after a flash flood carried her nearly two kilometers downstream.
She had gone out around noon to pick up her grandchild from school amid worsening weather conditions.
According to Catmon Police Station, the river near her residence swelled due to heavy rainfall, particularly in the upland areas.
Authorities believe Podot attempted to cross the river on her way home when she was swept away by the strong current.
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Police chief Cpt. Renerio Mejias said Podot had reportedly left to get her grandchild when the rains intensified.
The water level rose quickly, and it was at that point she was believed to have been carried off by the current.
A witness, 62-year-old resident Jostino Duran, saw her being swept away at around 1 p.m. He immediately alerted nearby residents, who contacted the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The search operation was launched but was temporarily halted due to slippery terrain and poor visibility. Her body was eventually found around 11 p.m.
Catmon is a municipality located 57 kilometers north of Cebu City. It is bordered by Carmen town in south and Sogod town in north.
