Asuncion, Davao del Norte declares state of calamity as floods hit province

The town of Asuncion in Davao del Norte declared a state of calamity on Wednesday after over 6,000 families evacuated due to floods.

According to a "24 Oras" report by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao's Kent Abrigana, rains brought by the shear line also caused massive flooding throughout Davao del Norte, affecting more than 16,000 families. 

In Tagum City, residents evacuated to Laureta Elementary School in Barangay San Miguel.

Although it is no longer raining in Barangay Canocotan, the flood level keeps rising, with some families being trapped in their houses. 

In Barangay Pagsabangan, some motorists went stranded so they were transferred to bigger vehicles.

Meanwhile, Purok 1 Guadalupe in Carmen was also flooded after water overflowed the creek.

“Mahirap kasi hindi kami makalabas. Apektado rin ang aming hanapbuhay,” said resident Mario Sumalinog. 

(It's hard because we can't go out. Our livelihood is also affected.) 

There were also stranded individuals in Compostela, Davao de Oro on Tuesday night.

It was also difficult for ambulances loaded with patients to pass through the roads, so they were transferred to a 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army truck.

In Caraga, Davao Oriental, some places are still isolated after a portion of the San Pedro Bridge collapsed.

Currently, the target of the local government unit is to implement road rehabilitation to allow access to isolated sites, the report said. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News