DAVAO CITY – The provincial government of Davao Oriental has extended relief assistance to almost 6,000 families in four towns in the province affected by flooding on Tuesday, January 16.
GOV. Niño Uy (right) meets families displaced by inclement weather in Cateel, Davao Oriental. (PIO Davao Oriental)
Gov. Niño Uy on Wednesday, January 17, led the distribution of relief aid to the affected families in the coastal town of Caraga.
Uy delivered food packs to affected barangays Abejod, Poblacion, San Antonio, San Alfonso, and San Rafael.
The governor reminded his constituents not to worry about their needs and safety as the provincial government is looking after their welfare.
Data from the provincial government showed that the flooding due to heavy rains from the shear line since Monday night, January 15, has affected 5,798 families from the towns of Boston, Caraga, Cateel, and Lupon. Caraga had the most number of affected families with 5,413.
Most of these towns in the eastern part of Davao Oriental are still reeling from the impact of tropical storm “Kabayan” last December.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, January 16, that heavy rains in the region were due to shear line and the northeast monsoon or "amihan."
Continuous rains have prompted many local government units in the Davao region to suspend classes in public and private schools on Tuesday.
In Davao Oriental, classes were suspended in the City of Mati and the municipalities of Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Cateel, Lupon, and San Isidro.
In the neighboring province of Davao de Oro, the provincial government cancelled classes on all levels in all its municipalities – Compostela, Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan.
The provincial government of Davao del Norte also suspended classes on all levels and work in government, excluding offices providing health, emergency and response services.