Authorities and residents affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the upland areas of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, have expressed concerns over possible flooding and mudslides if the dam formed by the landslide in the area collapses.

A creek in Barangay San Isidro has reportedly turned into a lake following a massive landslide triggered by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8, 2026.

The accumulated soil that slid down from a large portion of the mountain has blocked the flow of water. Heavy rains also caused the water level to to rise.

Authorities are monitoring the area closely due to concerns over unstable material that could collapse and trigger a sudden surge of floodwaters downstream, which could affect several populated barangays.

“Dahil po unstable material ‘yun, kapag ‘yun po ay nagbreak ay raragasa po ang flood waters downstream at meron din pong mga pamilya populated barangays sa baba,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said.

Authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of residents living in barangays located downstream, including Barangays Kitayo, Bukid Balangonan, Nuing, and Sugal.

DPWH plans to gradually clear the landslide debris. However, officials the operation faces additional challenges as the affected area is inaccessible by land, requiring personnel and workers to be airlifted to the site.

Officials said they may seek assistance for blasting operations, as the lack of road access makes it difficult to transport heavy equipment.

“We might need to request some assistance for blasting kasi hindi ganoon kadaling mag-akyat ng equipment dahil wala pong kalye para buwagin ‘yung mga dam, we might need to resort to some form of blasting doon sa area,” Dizon added.

The local government said backhoes were already en route to Barangay San Isidro to help open the landslide dam. However, the equipment will have to pass through a river in Barangay Nuing due to the absence of an alternative access road.