Four hurt, 122 families evacuated after flashflood hits Maasim, Sarangani

Four people were hurt while over 100 families were evacuated from six barangays in Maasim, Sarangani after a flashflood caused by a heavy downpour inundated parts of the town on Monday afternoon.

According to a report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on “24 Oras” on Tuesday night, the heavy rains were due to localized thunderstorms and the inter-tropical convergence zone in the southwestern and southern portion of Mindanao and Palawan.

A separate report by GMA Regional TV stated that the flood began when a creek overflowed due to heavy rains in the upland areas.

Four people were injured, including a man who was electrocuted. Three others suffered cuts on their feet after they walked on the roof of their home in an attempt to flee the rising floods.

According to the Maasim Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, six barangays were inundated by the flashflood for hours, which forced 122 families to flee their homes.

In one video, a man was seen tightly clinging to a coconut tree for dear life as muddy water rushed and rose around him in Barangay Kablacan. The man was later rescued by authorities.

Motorists and passengers were also stranded for six hours along the national highway due to the flashflood, which submerged many houses and establishments. Authorities aided the stranded victims.

The reported noted that many residents suffered damage to their houses and possessions.

Parts of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan were also flooded because of the downpour from the thunderstorms and the ICTZ, prompting the evacuation of some families. — JMA, GMA Integrated News