Rescue workers make improvised watercraft in rescuing trapped civilians in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao del Sur as the Labu-Labu river overflowed Friday night. —photos from BFP Datu Hoffer
COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Disaster responders in Datu Hofer town, Maguindanao del Sur rescued 10 families from danger on Saturday amid rising flood waters spawned by continuous heavy rains since Friday afternoon.
The families were trapped in Barangay Labu-labu 1 as the Labu-labu river overflowed and flood waters raged through their community.
The rescue operation was led by municipal fire officer Mohammad Baguindali and municipal disaster officer Noriam Matula.
READ: Death toll in Mindanao flash floods rises to 5
The heavy rains on Friday battered most of the Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces resulting in severe damages to two bridges connecting Cotabato City to Lebak town and to Palimbang town.
The bridges’ approaches have collapsed.
The Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (Sukelco) reported that the Sebayor Bridge in Kalamansig town, which connects the villages of Tambis and Santa Clara was closed to traffic after rampaging waters carried away one of its approaches at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Sukelco added that the bridge in Barangay Kidayan, Palimbang town also had the same damage, making it unserviceable to vehicles.
Authorities in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte had reported that the remains of all five persons reported missing on Tuesday night amid flash floods were already found, and they were already buried as of Saturday.
This brings to seven the total deaths in the Bangsamoro region due to flash floods; five from Maguindanao del Norte and two from Lanao del Sur.