Nonstop rain, neck-deep floods, and crashing trees brought by Typhoon Crising swept away homes and heavily affected around 140 families in Brgy. UP Campus, barangay officials said Friday.

Pook Arboretum suffered the heaviest out of the 14 neighborhoods of the barangay, with approximately 42 families affected. Among them, 15 were evacuated to Pook Dagohoy on July 19, when Crising first ravaged the area. Power in Pook Arboretum was disrupted the next day, which was only restored on July 27.

Floods in Pook Arboretum last July 19 swamped houses. (Barangay UP Campus/Messenger)

Though no fatalities were reported, one resident suffered a head injury after being hit by a falling tree. The individual has since been treated.

Apart from Pook Arboretum, the barangay also received reports of falling trees and flooding in Pook Amorsolo, Pook Libis, Area 17, Pook Malantik, Daang Tubo, Village A, and along C.P. Garcia Ave. 

Barangay officials assured that tree-trimming and declogging operations are ongoing in the affected areas, while the distribution of relief goods for residents from the mentioned neighborhoods is underway. 

Residents who waded in flood waters may also take leptospirosis treatment and prevention by availing of free doxycycline at the barangay hall.

The typhoon did not spare some buildings, colleges, and areas in UP itself either. Several road blockages were reported due to fallen or leaning trees, such as in the College of Science and along the College of Fine Arts. 

Some dormitories experienced flickering electricity. Acacia Residence Hall had it worse, as damaged transformers and utilities sparked a power shortage on July 21, which was only resolved three days later.

Campus Maintenance Office staff Oliver Penuliar documented minor flooding along Roces St., which was swiftly declogged. No injuries or fatalities were reported within the campus, according to Penuliar.

But serious damages and aftermath pester college buildings, particularly the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and College of Media and Communication (CMC). In separate Facebook posts, CFA Dean Toym Leon Imao and the official page of CMC shared snaps of swamped classrooms and halls, leaking ceilings, devastated roofings and walls, and moss-grown sidewalks.

Ceilings of the now swamped auditorium (left) and graduate studio (right) of College of Fine Arts were torn down. (CFA Dean Toym Imao/Facebook)

Following the onset of the typhoon, Penuliar said their office has been working on clearing operations, trimming and cutting down of fallen and hazardous leaning trees, and sidewalk cleaning. ●

In-kind donations may be directed to University Student Council Councilor-elect, Emi Alfonso. She may be contacted through 09060227221 or fb.com/janinamoira.alfonso