INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Concerned government agencies are now on the ground to help residents of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental who were affected by flash floods, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said.
Marcos in a series of tweets on Thursday said the flash flood was reportedly triggered by heavy rain brought by the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ).
The President is currently attending the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
“We have received reports of flash floods and landslides in Davao Del Sur and Davao Occidental due to heavy rains brought by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone,” Marcos said.
“Our concerned agencies have already taken the actions needed to secure the affected individuals,” he added.
We have received reports of flash floods and landslides in Davao Del Sur and Davao Occidental due to heavy rains brought by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.
Our concerned agencies have already taken the actions needed to secure the affected individuals.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) November 17, 2022
According to the Chief Executive, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are conducting clearing operations, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is working to provide relief aid to affected residents.
“@NDRRMC_OpCen and @DPWHph are currently doing clearing operations, and @dswdserves is now distributing relief and continues to monitor the evacuation centers to assess further assistance needed,” Marcos noted.
@NDRRMC_OpCen and @DPWHph are currently doing clearing operations, and @dswdserves is now distributing relief and continues to monitor the evacuation centers to assess further assistance needed.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) November 17, 2022
Earlier, it was reported that heavy rainfall since Wednesday night caused rivers in both Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental to overflow and flood the streets of the said provinces.
Hard-hit areas are Kiblawan and Malalag towns in Davao del Sur. In Malalag, reports said that the public market near the river was flooded by more than a meter, forcing people near the Malalag River to evacuate.
A landslide in Barangay (village) Baluyan was also recorded, making the national highway linking Digos City to General Santos City impassable. Authorities said motorists can access General Santos from Digos through the Makilala, Cotabato route, which passes through Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat.
READ: Davao Occidental, Davao Sur towns flooded