Davao folk affected by flashflood head home

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of several towns in Davao City which had been affected by a flashflood which hit around midnight have started going back to their homes on Wednesday morning, police said.

Davao police director Senior Superintendent Rene Aspera said at least eight persons have been reported missing. He said the search for the missing persons was continuing.

Region 11 police director Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente said that they were working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group to search for the missing persons.

Morente said that heavy rains Tuesday evening may have triggered the flashflood after it caused Pangi River to overflow. He added several areas such as Ma-a, Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing, Talomo and Matina aplaya were affected by the flood and caught residents there off guard. The flood subsided as of 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Aspera said that relief operations and feeding programs were underway to ensure that those affected by the floods were taken care of.

Police have also started clearing roads of debris as well as assisting in traffic control, said Morente.