More than 1,500 families have evacuated after Tropical Depression #VerbenaPH caused flooding in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City on Monday, November 24, 2025.

The chairman of Barangay Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City led the evacuation of residents after strong floodwaters surged through the area.

Barangay Bugo Chairman Spencer Cailing said floodwaters began rising following heavy rains around 6 p.m. as water from the Alae River and surrounding creeks reportedly overflowed into their barangay.

“Ang Bugo man gud is catch basin gikan sa Sayre Highway from Alae, from their creek, drainages diri gaambak sa ato so expected nakita nato ang ulbo gyud flowing sa tubig,” Cailing said.

A video taken by a barangay official also showed the strong current rushing over a spillway in Zone 8, Cabag-asan. Some residents struggled to evacuate in time.

“Kusog gyud kaayo ang tubig among gikabalak-an gabie basin modako unya mosaka pa maygani kaluoy sa Ginoo abtan mga ala una ni baba na ang tubig,” a resident, Alfredo Lopez, said.

“Mga duha ka semana walay ulan uga ni siya patay pero kung mo-ulan mo baha perti pud kusoga,” another resident, Salter Villarin, added.

Based on initial data from the barangay, nearly 1,500 families were affected. Damage assessment is ongoing.

“Bisan in-ato ang bul-og sa tubig pasalamat ta walay kinabuhi nakalas naa lang mga nasamaran tungod nahadlok na,” Cailing said.

Meanwhile, at least 23 families from three barangays in Iligan City were also forced to leave their homes due to flooding following heavy rains.

Barangay Tubod was the most affected with 16 families displaced.

The local government immediately provided assistance, and affected residents have returned to their homes.