Floods hit Mindanao areas

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The southern and eastern parts of Mindanao are experiencing massive floods and landslides following three days of incessant rain brought by a low-pressure area (LPA).

Thousands of families have been evacuated as floodwaters continue to rise, especially in the towns of Banganga, Caraga, Cateel, Lupon and Tarragona as well as Mati City in Davao Oriental.

Stranded residents in the towns of Bayugan, Loreto, San Fransisco, Trento and Veruela in Agusan del Sur are being assisted by local disaster response and management centers.

Landslides have occurred in the towns of Maragusan, Mawab, Montevista, Nabunturan and New Bataan in Davao de Oro.

Classes have been suspended in affected areas including Davao City.

The LPA is expected to last a week.