LPA triggers flooding in parts of Mindanao

A low-pressure area (LPA) brought heavy rains and flooding to several parts of Mindanao, affecting thousands of families and disrupting activities, including a graduation ceremony in South Cotabato, according to a "24 Oras Weekend" report.

In Koronadal City, graduates of a college in South Cotabato had to bring umbrellas along with their toga and caps as rain poured less than an hour after their commencement exercises began at the open field of the South Cotabato Sports Complex.

Despite the downpour, the ceremony for more than 2,000 graduates continued after the rain later eased.

In Alabel, Sarangani Province, heavy rains also fell overnight, causing flooding that made it difficult for motorists to pass through roads. Fallen tree branches and debris carried by strong floodwaters added to the obstruction.

Personnel from the 1st Infantry Division Provincial Mobile Force Company were deployed to help clear debris in affected areas.

In Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, canals and creeks overflowed in several areas. In one video, a motorcycle was seen slowly navigating through floodwaters, with darkness in the area further complicating the situation due to the absence of streetlights.

Meanwhile, parts of Barangay Caridad in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat turned into what residents described as river-like conditions following continuous rains. Several homes were inundated with knee-deep floodwaters.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the barangay is a catch basin for water coming from upper valley areas, including South Cotabato, Bagong Bayan, and Isulan.

In Pikit, Cotabato, three barangays were also submerged. The MDRRMO said nearly 2,000 families were affected by rising floodwaters.

The Office of Civil Defense and other agencies have conducted ocular inspections in the affected areas.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA is responsible for the rains over Mindanao and parts of the Visayas.—MCG, GMA News