CARMEN, Davao del Norte – A total of 1, 302 individuals or 72 families displaced and later rescued by disaster unit teams after intense torrential rains in upland Sto. Tomas caused an unexpected deluged last April 20 as the whole nation celebrated the last day of Paschal triduum— Easter Sunday.
Barangay Alejal and Magsaysay were severely flooded Sunday night after Tuganay river swelled which prompted authorities from the local government unit of Carmen to conduct a pre-emptive evacuation in said villages.
Romulo Tagalo, Executive Director of Davao del Norte Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council told DavaoToday that “affected families have been sheltered to nearby town halls and publci elementary school, awaiting the water to subside.”
“The DavNor PDRRMD rescue team responded to the distress call of LGU Carmen LDRRM Office, 9AM today. The request is prompted by the sudden rise of Mactan river, a tributary to Tuganay river, 6:30 AM today,” Tagalo said.
Carmen LDRRM Officer Tabot Valle said that they have been monitoring the Tuganay river since April 19, saying “the heavy downpour for the past few days caused a rapid rise in river waters.”
The LGU Carmen has also warned of flood incidents in Brgys. Mabaus, Alejal Magsaysay, San Isidro and Salvacion due to rising Tuganay river brought about by heavy rains in the uplands last night.
Meanwhile, a 94 year old woman trapped in their home in the middle of a ricefield and was immediately brought to the house of her daughter at a nearby barangay.
Disaster units conducted an incident assessment to evaluate the extent of the flooding. (davaotoday.com)
