MAKILALA, North Cotabato – Seventy-one families were displaced by a flashflood brought by heavy rains in three low-lying villages here Saturday, officials said.
Eric Sarabia, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRMO) planning officer, said Sunday that the affected families are currently sheltered at designated evacuation centers in the municipality.
The flooded areas included parts of Barangay Luayon with 37 affected families; Sta. Filomena with 32 affected families; and Bulacanon, two families.
“Personnel from our office, together with social welfare workers, are now in the area conducting assessment and relief operations to the affected families,” Sarabia said.
Based on the initial MDRRMC report, a portion of the newly built dike on Malasila River in Barangay Bulacanon collapsed, resulting in the water overflow and submerged portions of the three adjoining barangays.
“At 6 p.m. on Saturday, we received calls that the level of Malasila River was rising due to heavy rains,” Sarabia said.
Upon responding, he said they also found out that three hanging bridges were partially damaged by rampaging floodwaters.
Mayor Armando Quibod said the town government is currently assessing the overall damage to crops and properties due to the flooding and has sent more relief aid to the affected families.
Quibod urged constituents, particularly those residing near riverbanks, to stay on alert and keep out of landslide-prone areas.