The local government of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, is urging residents of a low-lying area in Barangay San Isidro to evacuate temporarily for their safety after the area turned into what resembles a lake following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on June 8, 2026.

As a result, what used to be crossed on foot now needs to be travelled by boat.

According to the local government, landslides triggered by the earthquake blocked the natural waterway flowing from a river nearby.

“May natural source sana tayo ng upstream river connection sa Brgy. San Isidro and Brgy. Noing but due to the two mountains na nag-landslide they trapped the flow of the river,” Jose Abad Santos Public Information Officer, Julie Marie Buen, said.

Residents in the area whose source of livelihood is coconut farming expressed concern that their crops may no longer be productive as many coconut trees are submerged in water.

The local government has referred the problem to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Among the proposed solutions are the use of a “bambi bucket” to remove water and the possibility of controlled blasting operations.

“Naa pud tay gi-suggest nga blasting kanang pabutuhun ang yuta pero delikado daw to kung pabutuhun ang tibuok katung yuta nga natabon, ang landslide, kay kusog kayo ang pag-ilig sa yuta ang pag-agos ng tubig padulong sa ubus basin mas dako nga damage ug maguba pud pati ang tulay,” Jose Abad Santos Mayor Jason John Joyce said.

At present, heavy equipment have been deployed to clear access roads leading to the landslide area.

Authorities are expected to create an outlet channel to allow the trapped water to drain.