Hundreds evacuated as Davao rivers swell due to ‘Vinta’

DAVAO CITY – Hundreds of residents from various areas of the city had been evacuated, including those near the shores in the Bucana area, as the Davao River and other tributaries swelled and dumped excess water into low-lying areas.

The evacuation continued early morning Saturday, assisted by village officials, policemen and members of the 911 rescue teams.

Even Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go was spotted riding a jetski at past 2 a.m. on Saturday to help residents evacuate in the Buhangin district area.

The exact number of those who were evacuated and were now staying in evacuation centers was not clear yet as of posting.

Among those who fled their homes were residents of barangays 2-A, 5-A, 10-A, and 19-A, located along the Davao River; El Rio Subdivision, Jade Valley Subdivision; and Bucana area.

In Barangay Mandug, soldiers rescued about 250 people who were trapped by flood.

The City Information Office said mobile kitchens had been dispatched since Friday night to provide hot meals to affected residents.

Mayor Sara Duterte also ordered officials to assess the other needs of the evacuated residents.

The swelling of tributaries here was blamed on run-off water from the hinterlands triggered by the rains brought by tropical storm “Vinta,” which battered Mindanao.   /kga