Maguindanao del Sur has been placed under a state of calamity due to the extensive damage caused by the massive flooding in the province.

The state of calamity declaration will allow the local government to utilize the calamity fund.

“Yesterday, nag-session ang sanggunian natin with the recommendation from PDRRMO na mag-declare na ng state of calamity. Magkuha nalang kami ng copy ng declaration ng SP,” Ameer Jehad Ambolodto, assistant department head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said.

In Datu Montawal town, two individuals contracted skin disease because of the flood, according to the Rural Health Unit (RHU). No case of leptospirosis was monitored, so far.

Floodwaters at the RHU-Datu Montawal has reached the chest, prompting health personnel to salvage equipment and medicines, among others. Floodwaters in the area have subsided slowly on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

"Hindi po kasi natin maiwasan kasi abrupt ang pagdating ng tubig. As much as we can nag conduct kami kaagad ng health education, nakipag-coordinate din kami sa sa Barangay para maagapan yung paglalaro ng mga bata sa baha para maiwasan magkaroon ng sakit,” Ramil Montawal, Municipality Epidemiology Surveillance Focal of RHU-Datu Montawal, said.

Some areas of Barangay Layog in Pagalungan town also experienced chest-deep floods. Residents have to deal with thick mud when floodwaters subside.

"Problema namin ang putik. kasi mahirap maglinis dito,” another flood victim said.

Relief efforts continue in the flood-stricken areas as the provincial government continues to distribute food, kitchen utensils, sleeping kits, potable water, among others.

PDRRMO is still assessing the extent of damage.

Meanwhile, several areas in Ligawasan town under the Special Geographic Areas (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were also flooded.

Authorities have immediately launched rescue operations as several residents were trapped amid the flooding.