70 families displaced in Sultan Kudarat floods; classes suspended in two villages

The flood from the swollen Blinking River uprooted and washed away banana trees in Barangay Blingkong, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat. (Photo courtesy of Jhun Migano)

KORONADAL CITY –– At least 70 families in two barangays of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat were displaced as sustained rains from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday morning, July 24 brought floods and landslides.

Some 20 families left their homes in Purok Riverside, Barangay Blingkong around 1 a.m. as the Blinkong river overflowed causing knee-deep floods, said village chair Marimiano Antonio Jr.

The raging flood carried away some of the residents’ properties and work animals, Antonio added.

The flood inundated a banana plantation and damaged crops, he added.

In Barangay Tananzang, at least 50 families living in landslide-prone areas were forced to evacuate on Tuesday night.

Alryan Limbo, Lutayan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer, said the local government ordered some 50 families to evacuate after landslides and soil erosion incidents hit their community.

They were sheltered at the village chapel.

Lutayan officials observed light to heavy rains from 4 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Limbo said the local government was studying whether to allow the displaced families to return home although raining has subsided.

“At this time, it is still dangerous to let them go back home,” Limbo explained.

The town government has extended emergency aid to the affected families.

Classes were suspended in Tananzang Elementary School and nearby Bangasong Elementary School for Wednesday. /lzb