After rain and flood, Davao Occidental gets hit by magnitude 6.3 earthquake 

Residents of Davao Occidental were still recovering from days of heavy rains and flash floods when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the province on Tuesday evening.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, although the earthquake's epicenter was recorded near Balut Island in Sarangani, several homes in Jose Abad Santos have been destroyed.

Landslides were also recorded in the area, burying parts of the roadway under mud and boulders. Power lines were also damaged.

While the local government unit conducts ongoing clearing operations, a forced evacuation has been enforced for all residents of Sitio Kibatang in Barangay Sugal.

Motorists faced difficult travel conditions along a creek in Barangay New Dumangas, South Cotabato. Several motorcyclists lost control and crashed in the area, prompting residents to work together to lift the stranded vehicles.

Recent heavy rains have left the crossing muddy, slippery, and plagued by strong, rushing currents. In light of the hazard, residents are calling for the immediate completion of the bridge currently under construction in the area.

Meanwhile, commuters faced a difficult trek in Matina, Davao City, last night after floodwaters turned this road into a raging river.

Over at Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, relentless rains have severely damaged this road, leaving it completely broken and cracked. Personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways are now on-site conducting inspections.

The state weather bureau PAGASA said localized thunderstorms affected and brought rain to several parts of Mindanao.

In the Visayas, several tourists in Boracay had their vacations ruined this Monday by near-typhoon-force winds and rain that reduced visibility to near-zero.

Following the downpour, tourists were forced to trek through flooded streets.

Over in Roxas City, Capiz, emergency responders teamed up to carry Day Care students through rising waters. Flash floods quickly reached shin-deep, prompting schools to immediately suspend classes and send the children home. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA News