15 barangays flooded in Cotabato City, 26 families evacuated

COTABATO CITY - At least 15 low-lying barangays in Cotabato City were submerged in floodwaters after continuous rains in the past few days made water levels in major tributaries rise.

 

Some of the villages in Tamontaka 1 and 2, Mother Poblacion and Rosary Heights 6 were badly affected, said Abdillah Lim, president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

 

“The water level due to high tide has ascended to four to five inches based on our monitoring this morning. High tide influences the increase of water level,” Lim said.

 

College student Ruby Tan from Bagua 3 said she had to wear shorts to go out of her village and just change into her school uniform once she got to higher ground.

 

“Another extra challenge today, but it's okay. Not really a big deal to hinder my pursuit to finish my studies,” she said.

 

At least 26 families have sought relief at the basketball court and social hall of Rosary Heights 6, according to City Social Welfare and Development Officer Ofelia Ebrahim.

 

“We are still validating the exact number of affected families. Our priority now are those who are displaced and stayed in evacuation center and will follow on the home-based evacuees,” Ebrahim said, adding a disaster team meeting is scheduled on Monday to look into the flood situation.

 

The city disaster office is also on the lookout for possible clogging due to water hyacinths passing through Tamontaka River and Rio Grande de Mindanao before going out to Illana Bay.

 

Cotabato City is a catch basin of waters from Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Liguwasan Marsh areas. —KG, GMA News