30,000 displaced by floods in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – More than 30,000 individuals have been displaced in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato due to floods triggered by more than 24 hours of light to heavy downpour that started early Tuesday.

Officials have warned of more floods as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said a thunderstorm was developing over Mindanao on Thursday.

Henry Albano, Sultan Kudarat provincial disaster risk reduction action officer, said villagers in low-lying communities and those near tributaries have been advised to evacuate because the rains would likely be relentless.

He said that on Tuesday and Wednesday alone, some 20,000 people were displaced when floodwaters submerged many areas of Lutayan, Isulan, Lambayong and Bagumbayan towns; and in Tacurong City.

The floods that submerged Sultan Kudarat communities emanated from the mountain towns of Tampakan and Tupi in South Cotabato, he said.

Albano said no injuries or deaths had been reported so far but houses made of light materials and bridges were damaged by the raging waters.

For example, the bridge that linked Lutayan town to South Cotabato was heavily damaged it could not be used anymore, he said.

Albano said many residents had to be given food assistance because the floods came unexpected and washed away many of their valuables.

Allan Freno, Tacurong City information officer, said they were still validating damage to properties and crops but added that they were thankful no one was harmed during the floods in the city.

He said the city government have provided food packs to affected residents.

In South Cotabato, some 10,000 individuals were also affected by the floods, officials said.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes said it was the first massive flood to hit the province in recent years.

Fuentes said the floods became worse when a retaining wall of the Banga River collapsed.

She said assistance were being provided to affected residents, including the families of the three people who died during landslides in Tupi town.

(With a report from Williamor Magbanua, Inquirer Mindanao)