Disaster and rescue teams here have evacuated around 9,000 families who were affected by flooding as rivers overflowed and inundated residential areas due to torrential rains.
In a statement on Thursday, Nov. 11, the city government said the number was based on the partial list obtained from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
The city government said the flooding on Nov. 10 affected a total of 13 barangays.
Based on the data released by the CSWDO as of 6 p.m. of Nov.10, "a total of 13 barangays namely: Barangays 2-A with 894 affected families, 5-A with 1,325 affected families, 8-A with 1,300 affected families, 9-A with 918 affected families, 10-A with 679 affected families, 19-B with 449 affected families, Maa with 959 affected families, Matina Crossing with 1,403 affected families, Tigatto with 1,490 affected families, Waan with 457 affected families, Bantol with five (5) affected families, Buda with 48 affected families and Tamugan with 40 affected families."
The CSWDO said "majority of the residents in the affected areas took shelter in evacuation centers but those living in areas with higher flood levels were advised to stay longer and to only return to their homes once the flood subsides."
At present, the office is still assessing the damaged properties.
Atty. Marlisa Gallo, head of the CSWDO said "three houses were partially damaged in Marilog District."
According to the Davao City Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), rainfall and thunderstorms brought by the tail end of the frontal system resulted in increased water levels in Davao River, Matina River, and Lasang River.
CDRRMO-Operation and Warning Section Chief Mr. Rodrigo Bustillo reminded the public to heed pre-emptive evacuation warning. He said "once the sirens are triggered, pre-emptive evacuation should follow."
"Nahitabo nga duna pay pagrescue nga gihimo tungod kay pipila ka katawhan magmagahi sa paghawa human sa paghatag nato ug advisory gikan CDRMMO. Busa to all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Management Councils (BDRRMCs), volunteers and to all station monitors, ato kaning ipasabot kaninyong tanan na sa panahon nga ang CDRRMO maghatag ug advisory sama sa evacuation ato gayud kanang pagatumanon ilabi na kaning taga barangay, inyo gayud kanang sundon kay nasayod kami nga dunay dako nga panghitabo niana (It happened that rescue was done for people who did not take heed of our advisory. This is why to all BDRRMCs, volunteers and all station monitors, we would like to make you understand that when we give advisories like evacuation, it must be followed especially by the residents of barangays, because we know that there will be huge incident )," Bustillo said.
Bustillo said their advisories are "based on the sensors, visual monitoring, and information from the barangays and responders within the city."
He also asked for the cooperation of BDRRMCs and for responders to follow the advisories.
"Kinahanglan nato ang one command policy sa CDRRMO Opcen, kay kung kita maghimo ug kaugalingon nga desisyon ug pamaagi nga ma-compromise ang kinabuhi sa mga tao sa barangay (We need a one command policy of the CDRRMO Opcen. We should not make our own decision or method that would compromise the lives of the people)," he added.
Meanwhile, First Congressional District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte inspected some of the flooded areas caused by heavy downpour in the city.
The First Congressional District Office also distributed assistance to Barangays 2a, 5a, 8a and 9a.
Duterte assured that all those affected by the flooding will be given assistance.