EVACUATED. Over 40 families from the upland village of Assumption in Koronadal City evacuated to a nearby village due to landslides and flash floods that hit their community following heavy rains on Tuesday night (Nov. 7, 2023). Local government relief agencies attended to the needs of displaced families as the road to their village (inset) is being cleared of rocks and mudflow debris. (Photo courtesy of Koronadal Councilor Sharmaigne Sala)
KORONADAL CITY – Landslides and mudflows with rocks forced over 40 families from an upland village here to evacuate following a heavy downpour Tuesday night, officials said.
Cyrus Urbano, city disaster risk reduction and management officer, said families vacated their homes at about 9 p.m. Tuesday when roads leading to the village of Assumption were filled with rocks and mud due to landslides.
“Our evacuees are now temporarily housed at the gymnasium of adjacent Barangay Sta. Cruz,” Urbano said in a radio interview Wednesday. "“Clearing operation is ongoing."
The city experienced more than two hours of heavy downpour, although no major weather disturbances were observed, as the state weather bureau reported.
No casualties were reported but the villagers, who are mostly upland farmers, lost valuables.
Urbano said most affected families were from Sitio Ladol. They are now being attended to by the City Health Office and the local social welfare department.
Due to overnight heavy downpours, the neighboring towns of Banga, Norala, Surallah, and Tboli also suspended classes at elementary and high school levels. (PNA)
