Civil defense office alerts local governments as Davao rivers rise

Saturday, January 14, 2012

THE Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Davao Region alerted local government units (LGUs) in the region after several river systems reached an alarming level on Saturday.

Liza Mazo, OCD regional chief, said water level of at least three major river systems in the region, including Davao River, have risen following a heavy downpour Friday evening that lasted until Saturday.

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As of Saturday afternoon, there was still no report of affected families living near the Davao River, but Mazo said six barangays in Asuncion, in Davao del Norte were evacuated due to the overflowing of Dibaganon and Saog rivers.

Rizal Giovanni "Bong" Aportadera, acting chief of the Davao City Information Office (CIO), asked mediamen in the city to help disseminate the information on the possible overflowing of the city's largest and major river system.

But as of 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Melina Isidro, radio operator of the Davao City Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council, said water level in Davao River has started to subside.

"Naa man gihapon mga emergency team ang naka deploy didto ug ready na mag-response (Emergency team has already been deployed for any possibilities)," Isidro said.

Isidro said the alert was issued after Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Viray, Army's 84th Infantry Battalion commander, has reported the strong current and rising level of water in Tamugan River early morning Monday.

Isidro said after their men positioned at several areas along Davao River gathered data that the water level in Davao River was indeed rising before noon Saturday, all village chieftains were also been alerted and briefed on the all types of possibilities.

Meanwhile, the flooding that happened in some municipalities in Davao del Norte prompted residents to flee to safer grounds. Most of those living near riverbanks were evacuated. (JOP)