MASSIVE FLOODING. The Davao City Police Office Search and Rescue Team rescues a family during a flash flood in a barangay in Davao City on Wednesday evening (Aug. 28, 2019). (Photo courtesy of DCPO PIO)
DAVAO CITY -- Four barangays here have been placed under state of calamity Thursday afternoon after a localized thunderstorm brought heavy rains that caused massive flooding on Wednesday evening.
The four barangays directly affected by the flash floods are Tugbok Proper, Los Amigos, Talomo, and Wangan, which are all located near the Talomo River.
A total of 17,795 individuals or 3,559 families were displaced by the floods.
The flooding prompted the City Council to approve Wednesday afternoon a total of PHP50-million assistance package for the affected families and individuals.
Marilyn Agonia, assistant head of City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), said in an earlier press briefing that the amount will be used to purchase medicines, food and non-food items, and for cash assistance.
Rodrigo Bustillo, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) operations and warning head, said some of the residents did not heed the call of the CDRRMO for evacuation.
Bustillo said that as of 4:30 pm their team activated the siren as an early warning for the residents to leave their houses.
"Many did not listen to our call that's why we conducted a force evacuation at 5:30 pm. But there are residents who are still hesitant to follow," Bustillo added.
As a result, many of the families who failed to comply with the warning were trapped in their houses.
"We are just happy that there are no reported casualties in the incident," Bustillo said, adding that six shanties near the river were damaged.
One of the lessons that can be drawn from the incident, he said, is the importance of sustained disaster preparedness in the villages.
He also urged Dabawenyos to listen to advisories to avoid being caught up by natural calamities. (PNA)
