VP Sara reiterates need for disaster preparedness after Davao floods

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday stressed the importance of preparing for disasters following the flooding and landslide incidents in the Davao Region which killed at least 21 individuals. 

Duterte made the remark after attending a disaster situation briefing in Davao City, along with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., on Wednesday.

“Lagi po nating pinaalala ang kahalagahan ng paghahanda sa mga ganitong sakuna para alam natin at ng ating mga kababayan ang dapat gawin at kailangang aksyon upang maiwasan ang trahedya. Ang pangangalaga sa buhay at pangkalahatang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan ang dapat manatiling prayoridad,” she said in a statement. 

(We’re reminding the importance of disaster preparedness so that our countrymen will know what to do during calamities. Protecting the lives and the general welfare of our citizens must remain a priority.) 

Davao de Oro provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) on Tuesday said 13 people were dead while nine people were injured in the province.  Of the 13 fatalities, four were reported each in New Bataan and Marasugan, two each in Pantukan and Monkayo, and one in Maco.

Two people were also missing in Davao de Oro, it said.

In Davao del Norte, eight fatalities were reported, according to the PDRRMO. Six of the fatalities in Davao del Norte were in Kapalong, one in Santo Tomas, and one in Asuncion.

One person was also missing in the province.

Marcos on Wednesday directed the opening of alternative routes to ensure faster assistance for those affected by floods and landslides in the Davao region.

The President also tasked concerned offices to provide affected families with clean and safe drinking water in order to prevent illnesses. —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News