Davao Norte, Compostela Valley execs step up disaster response

Rescuers from the Comval Emergency Response Team continue their rescue operation following the flooding of Compostela Valley and nearby provinces in southern Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Local authorities in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley have stepped up their disaster readiness as rain clouds hovered these areas amid the threat posed by Tropical Depression Agaton.

At least 353 families have also been moved to safer ground in two Compostela Valley towns due to the possibility of flooding and landslides there, officials said.

In Davao del Norte, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario activated the incident command system on Sunday, as the province was included in areas placed by the state weather bureau under public storm Signal No. 1.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Agaton slightly accelerated as it churned southwestward at seven kilometers per hour. Still packing wind speeds of up to 55 kph near the center, the storm was located some 205 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, or 230 kms east of Davao City and has been projected to pass by the mouth of Davao Gulf in the next 48 hours.

Authorities in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) have also been warned of potential gale-strong winds and huge waves hitting the island, said Jean Abangan, Davao del Norte chief for the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

All rivers in Davao del Norte were still having normal water levels as of 11 a.m. Sunday, except Saug which traverses Asuncion and Kapalong towns, with a 0.8 meter water level increase.

Some 321 families from flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas in Compostela town have fled to the schools and the municipal gymnasium overnight, said Vice Mayor Reynaldo Castillo Jr.

Governor Arturo Uy has declared the cancellation of classes in all levels throughout the province on Monday, even as disaster authorities were in constant monitoring of water levels in major rivers there, according to Fe Maestre, provincial information officer.

Policemen across the 11 municipalities were also put on alert for possible landslides and flooding, said Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, Compostela Valley police chief.

In New Bataan town, two bridges in the villages of Andap and Cogonon are still impassable after being destroyed by the flooding and landslides due to last week’s low pressure area (LPA) that developed into what is now “Agaton.”

“Preemptive evacuation continues, and all barangay disaster councils were activated to respond in case of flooding, Marlon Esperanza, New Bataan information officer, told the Philippines Daily Inquirer by mobile phone.

Esperanza said 52 families or about 240 persons from flood-prone areas in Cabinuangan village have also sought shelter at the municipal gym at the town proper.

“We’re having moderate to heavy rains now,” Esperanza said.

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