PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines — A five-year-old boy who was reported swept away by strong floodwaters in a river between the Santa Lucia and Balangasan Riverside areas in Pagadian City was found dead in Purok Lower Kahayag, Barangay Dumagoc.
The child was reportedly among three siblings who were caught by the powerful current while they were fishing in the area.
Initial information indicated that the boy was carried downstream by the rapidly moving water. One of the rescuers reportedly saw the child being swept toward the lower portion of the river but could not reach him because of the strength of the current.
The search and rescue effort continued until the child was eventually located in the vicinity of Purok Lower Kahayag.
Authorities and rescuers were expected to continue documenting the incident and gathering information on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Details regarding the identities and conditions of the other children involved, as well as the full account of the rescue operation, were still being awaited.
The incident underscores the dangers posed by rapidly rising and fast-moving river waters, particularly to children who may be exposed to sudden changes in current strength during periods of heavy rain or flooding.