Localized thunderstorms cause floods in some Mindanao provinces

Heavy rains from localized thunderstorms caused floods in some areas in Mindanao in the southern Philippines.

GMA News' "Unang Balita" reported Friday that six hours of heavy rains in Zamboanga del Sur caused a river in Tukuran town to overflow, sending over six-feet-deep floodwaters into some areas in Barangay Sto. Niño.

Over 300 houses were reported flooded, including the barangay hall and an elementary school building, which prompted authorities to send boats to evacuate affected residents.

In another barangay, rushing floodwater from rain-soaked mountains destroyed a hanging bridge vital for local residents' movements.

In South Cotabto province, flood transformed a street into a virtual river, leaving some residents stranded. 

Also, several hectares of rice farms were submerged in flood caused by heavy rains from a thunderstorm.

Floodwaters also transformed some streets in Koronadal City into a swamp, as a city street turned into a "river" draining into residential areas.

State weather bureau PAGASA said that heavy rains in Mindanao were caused by localized thunderstorms. —LBG, GMA News