Lanao del Norte (outlined in red) (Image from Google Maps)
KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE –– Classes in three towns of Lanao del Norte continued to be suspended and evacuees were prevented from returning home as rains and dark clouds still hovered over the province Wednesday, July 17.
These were in the towns of Tubod, Lala, and Kapatagan, where light to moderate rains continued.
The class suspension was announced by the municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices (MDRRMOs) of the three towns.
Engineer Claudio Tuastumban Jr., officer-in-charge of the Kapatagan MDRRMO, said the flood in the town has subsided, leaving in its wake thick mud.
Due to the persistent rains, Tuastumban told the Inquirer, that local officials have decided against allowing the hundreds of evacuees from going home.
“We would like to make sure they are truly safe. But the rains and the dark clouds are no good indications,” he explained.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at least 1,640 families were staying at the municipal gym, women’s center, and senior citizens’ hall.
Only those from Barangay Poblacion residing far from creeks and rivers were allowed to go back home.
The flash flood hit Kapatagan the hardest of the five towns of the province on Tuesday, July 16. It forced hundreds of families to flee their homes.
Continuous heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm “Falcon” led to the swelling of the Sapad/Maranding and Kidalos rivers, inundating Kapatagan, Lala, Sapad, Salvador, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo.
Police and soldiers assisted the towns in relief and rescue operations.