The number of affected persons due to flooding and landslides in Davao Region (Region 11) has risen to more than 2,000 based on the data released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Evacuation and rescue operations were ongoing as the effects of the shearline in the region already impacted 552 families or 2,212 individuals in 14 barangays in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

Of those affected, a total of 446 families composed of 1,800 individuals were staying in evacuation centers.

Underscretary Ariel Nepomuceno, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), explained that the strong rains experienced in Davao are caused by the combined effects of shearline and climate change.

Shearline refers to a point where a convergence of cold air from amihan or northeast monsoon mixes with the warm air from the Pacific Ocean.

"Kapag umangat kasi 'yung init, hahalo siya at magke-create ng medyo abnormal o mas malakas na pag-ulan (When the warm air rises, it will mix [with cold air] and create slightly abnormal or stronger rain)," Nepomuceno said in a radio interview at dzBB.

The effect is further aggravated by the worsening temperature brought by the climate change, he said.

"Kung maaalala niyo ang Mindanao noong unang panahon hindi naman ganyan so nag-iiba na talaga (If you remember, Mindanao is not like that before so times are really changing)," he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army deployed disaster response units (DRUs) from the 1001st Infantry Brigade to assist in the rescue and relief operations of flood-affected residents in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.

The DRUs rescued thousands who were affected by the flooding in the three provinces, said Brig. Gen. Ronnie Babac, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.

"Let us continue our monitoring and be prepared always to assist the communities," Babac told the troops.