EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection load sacks of rice to be distributed in the municipalities of Davao Oriental affected by the heavy rains and flooding brought by a due low-pressure area on Wednesday (April 6, 2022). The flooding caused by the weather disturbance displaced 675 individuals in Caraga region and the death of an octogenarian from Cateel municipality. (Photo courtesy of Davao Oriental PIO)
DAVAO CITY – A person died while 675 displaced individuals returned home after heavy flooding hit low-lying areas in Davao Oriental due to the Low-Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Mindanao, an official said Thursday.
In an interview, Provincial information officer Karen Lou Deloso identified the fatality as Valentine Caayon, 83, who died of drowning Wednesday in Barangay Alegria, Cateel municipality.
Deloso said the 675 individuals who evacuated Wednesday have already returned to their respective homes Thursday afternoon.
She said the flood also affected 15 households in Barangay Sergio Osmeña in the municipality of Governor Generoso; 65 families in La Union, San Isidro; and 35 families in Barangay Rafael in the municipality of Cateel.
“Teams from the local government units, the provincial government, and concerned agencies are continuously conducting an emergency response,” Deloso said.
In addition, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police have also deployed their personnel and equipment to assist in the emergency response operations.
“Supplies of rice were also transported to the affected municipalities yesterday,” Deloso said.
As of Thursday, Deloso said the floodwaters have largely subsided.
However, moderate rain is expected to continue through the next two to three days over most parts of Davao Oriental due to the LPA, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“The public is advised to be cautious and take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” Deloso said. (PNA)
