DAET, Camarines Norte --- Thousands of residents in this province are experiencing severe shortage of potable water supply since Monday, in the aftermath of the flashfloods that hit this northern Bicol province.

        This capital towns and the towns of Mercedes, San Vicente, Labo and other adjoining areas are in short supply of drinking water while most parts of the province are still reeling from river overflows and floods, considered to be the worst in this province in years.

        Bicol Mail witnessed the long queue up of people from the towns of San Vicente, Daet and Mercedes waiting for water ration being provided by fire trucks of the Bureau of Fire Protection while the members of the Philippine Army under the 9th Infantry Division also rendered security to the people queuing for water.

        Mayor Tito Sarion told Bicol Mail that the water transmission line from nearby Labo town broke down following the heavy flashfloods.

        Daet is a first class and the capital town of Camarines Norte with over 80,632 population residents based on the 2000 census. It was under water since Sunday gravely affecting its trade and commerce and the daily grind of its people. People could be seen using ‘balsa’ and floaters to move around town.

        In San Vicente, Town Mayor Stanley Alegre said at least six bridges were totally washed out in his municipality alone due to rampaging flash floods last Sunday.

        "My constituents are isolated when the six major bridges collapsed. I'm seeking assistance for my constituents who are badly affected by the effect of heavy flooding," Alegre said.

        San Vicente is the poorest and 5th class municipality in Camarines Norte with 1,700 families or a total of 11,797 residents.

        Vice Mayor Brenda Salalima of Mercedes, a fishing town, said nine people in her town have been reported missing since Sunday, one of whom is a 28-year-old housewife who is 6 months pregnant.

        “Without potable water we're helpless while the fishery and agriculture sectors are severely affected," Salalima said.

        Camarines Norte is composed of 12 towns: Basud, Capalonga, Daet, San Vicente, Jose Panganiban, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sta. Elena, Talisay and Vinzons.

        Labo has the biggest number of barangays with 52 while San Vicente has the least with only nine.