Davao floods hit 72,000 families, victims appeal for help

Over 72,000 families have been affected by widespread flooding and landslides in Davao de Oro, initial reports from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) of Region 11 said.

According to a report on "24 Oras" by Jandi Esteban of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, the region's OCD also said five were dead from the floods, while seven were injured.  All were residents of Davao de Oro.

Two were also reported missing in Caraga, Davao Oriental.

The floods and landslides from heavy rains triggered by the trough of a low pressure area engulfed roads, buried houses, swept away bridges, and stranded hundreds as some highways have become unpassable.

In Barangay Tagabakid, Mati City, Davao Oriental, a large portion of the road collapsed affecting residents nearby. Heavy equipment was then deployed for the clearing operation. 

Stranded residents forced their way by foot through a narrow road to evacuate.

Carlota Mike, a resident of Barangay Mayo, Mati City, Davao Oriental, who lost her home said her children have no proper place to sleep.

“Mahirap dahil wala na kaming bahay, ma’am. Nagpapasilong nga kami pero tumutulo. Dito lang kami (natutulog), sa gilid-gilid, basta safety ang mga bata,” she said.  

(It's hard because we don't have a home anymore. Our temporary shelter is leaking. We just sleep here, as long as the children are safe.)

Ranel Pacio, a resident of Barangay Tagabakid also lost his house after the land it was standing on collapsed.

“Itinali ko na pero pagsapit ng gabi, akala ko lindol, yun na pala, wala na pala (yung bahay)” he said. 

(I tied it up but when the night came, I thought there was an earthquake, but the house was already gone.) 

The local government of Davao City has visited the damaged bridge in the area. It also requested the assistance of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), to use its air assets to deliver relief goods to the isolated residents.

Meanwhile, Davao Oriental local officials are also validating the total flood damage in the province.

In Davao City, some residents were evacuated after the Davao River overflowed due to continuous rain. 

Residents waded through the flood, carrying their things to the evacuation center.

Senior citizens and children were evacuated using rescue boats of the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Floods also stranded dozens of motorists along Tagum Highway in Davao del Norte where even big vehicles could not pass.

The traffic in Bunawan, Davao City was also heavy due to the flood. Some villages in Buhangin District were also swamped with rainwater, which eventually subsided.

In Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, the municipality had to assist residents affected by the flood. 

However, the flood in Monkayo, Davao de Oro remains. Some motorists were stranded while many houses and rice fields were submerged in water. There was also no electricity in some areas. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News