FLOOD-DAMAGED. A house and a vehicle (inset) damaged by flash flood and mudflow with rocks in Sitio Calut, Barangay Luayon, Makilala, North Cotabato following heavy rainfall on Saturday night (April 10, 2021). Two other villages in the municipality were severely affected by the extreme weather condition that also hit the adjoining towns of M’lang, Antipas, and Tulunan. (Photos from Dennis Lumosad Rañises' FB page)
MAKILALA, North Cotabato – A flash flood brought by heavy rains Saturday night resulted in the displacement of 71 families in three low-lying villages here, officials said.
Eric Sarabia, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRMO) planning officer, said on Sunday that the affected families are currently sheltered at designated evacuation centers in the municipality.
The flooded areas included parts of Barangay Luayon with 37 affected families; Sta. Filomena with 32 affected families; and Bulacanon, two families.
“Personnel from our office, together with social welfare workers, are now in the area conducting assessment and relief operations to the affected families,” Sarabia said.
Based on the initial MDRRMC report, a portion of the newly-built dike collapsed along Malasila River in Barangay Bulacanon, resulting in the water overflow and submerged portions of the three adjoining villages.
“At 6 p.m. on Saturday, we received calls that the level of Malasila River was rising due to heavy rains,” Sarabia said.
Upon responding, he said they also found out that three hanging bridges were partially damaged by rampaging floodwaters.
Mayor Armando Quibod said the town government is currently assessing the overall damage to crops and properties due to the flooding and has sent more relief aid to the affected families.
Quibod urged constituents, particularly those residing near riverbanks, to stay on alert and keep out of landslide-prone areas.
He said Governor Nancy Catamco is set to visit the municipality to bring in more help from the provincial government.
According to the provincial DRRMO, other flood-affected towns are those of M’lang, Antipas, and Tulunan where damage assessments are also going on. (PNA)
