THE body of an eight-year-old girl, who was swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday, was found and retrieved at the seashore of Kilumco, Camague, Barangay Tubod, on Thursday noon, September 11.
The victim, identified as Rhea Mae Lanusa, was walking home from Dalamas Integrated School with her cousins in Purok Tower, Dalamas, Barangay Puga-an.
According to reports, due to heavy rains, Lanusa slipped and fell into a cemented open canal, estimated to be one meter wide and two feet deep. The sudden surge of floodwaters carried her away.
A ‘habal-habal’ driver, Benjie Galangki, attempted to rescue her.
“Kusug kaayo ang ulan, dali ra pud nahuman,” Galangki said, adding that he saw the girl get swept away.
When the water subsided, he found her personal belongings, including her dress, t-shirt, and one slipper.
Honey Jane Raman Corbita, Lanusa’s teacher, said the rain was not strong when students were dismissed, but it “suddenly became strong” after they had already left the school.
Barangay Kagawad Renerose Bado clarified that there is no river for children to cross on the way from school to the victim’s house, only a water passage (sangi). This is why parents were confident in letting their children walk home alone.
Lanusa’s body was taken to Capin Funeral Homes before being transported to her family's residence in Purok Tower, Dalamas, Barangay Puga-an.
