Cold front triggers floods in Davao areas

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least 12 barangays in this city were submerged in floodwaters yesterday due to incessant rains since Saturday morning. More than 5,000 families were affected, authorities said.

In Kapalong, Davao del Norte, more than 300 residents had to evacuate as six barangays experienced flooding. Other parts of the province also had to deal with flashfloods.

Weather forecasters attributed the flashfloods to the effects of the tail-end of a cold front, which they said would continue to bring light to moderate rains over Mindanao.

Emmanuel Jaldon, chief of Davao City’s 911 Central Emergency Response Center, said search and rescue operations went full-blast yesterday, as several people were trapped on their rooftops.

Most affected by the flooding were communities along the banks of the Davao River, namely Barangays Tigato, Sangilangan, Maa, Lower Madapo, Bankerohan, El Rio, Bacaca, Jade Valley, SIR Phase 1 and 2, Grabahan Teachers’ Village in Calinan, and San Rafael Village, also in Barangay Maa.

As of 2 p.m. yesterday, Jaldon said the water level of the Davao River continued to rise.

The situation prompted Mayor Sara Duterte to suspend classes in the elementary and high school levels yesterday.

A large part of the city had no electricity, as the Davao Light and Power Co. decided to cut off power supply to prevent any accidents.

Floodwaters also inundated several towns in Davao del Norte yesterday.

A certain Ramon Ampong, 63, was the first reported casualty. He was reportedly last seen crossing the Saog River in Barangay Florida, Ascuncion, Davao del Norte, disaster officials said.

Aside from Ascuncion, the municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, Braulio Dujali, and Carmen, and the cities of Panabo and Tagum were also flooded yesterday, forcing residents to flee to safer grounds. – With Alexis Romero, Helen Flores