DAVAO CITY– A total of 6, 614 families or 31, 375 individuals were affected by flood in Davao City when Davao River overflowed to several barangays from Buda down to the city proper.
Davao River started to swell when Tropical Storm Vinta was exiting to Bukidnon and the rest of Northern Mindanao areas. The affected families are temporarily sheltered in 18 evacuation centers – mostly barangay gyms and schools.
Affected families are sheltered in Tamugan Gym, DMMA Buhangin, Buhangin Gym, Maa Elementary School, UM Matina Campus, Lasang Barangay Hall, Brokenshire Gym, Mandug Gym, San Rafael Gym, SIR Phase 2 Gym, Upper Madapo Gym, Bankerohan Gym, Waan Gym, Uyanguren Gym, El Rio Gym, Barangay Bantol Gym, Barangay Dominga in the house of Barangay Captain Lomandas, and Dumalag Elementary School in Lampianao, said City Chief Information Officer Jefry Tupas on Saturday.
As of 9 am, the situation along the Davao River areas and adjacent barangays has remained in code red due to the critical condition of the river’s water level.
Tupas said the rescue teams had been deployed since 5:30pm Friday in some flooded areas due to swollen river.
The combined teams from Central 911, police units, Task Force Davao, and other private groups were helping in the rescue of trapped families, especially in Tigatto areas.
“We have dispatched rescue teams to San Rafael, Gravahan, UM area, Jade valley and Grand Men Seng Hotel areas,” said Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of Task Force Davao.
The Eastern Mindanao Command also sent teams to assist in the operations.
In far away Buda, the boundary barangay of Davao City and Bukidnon, total of 69 families were evacuated and provided with food packs. (PNA)
