Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Floods destroy P40M infra, crops in S. Cotatabo By Allen V. Estabillo
AT LEAST P40 million worth of infrastructure and agricultural crops were destroyed in Polomolok, South Cotabato due to flashfloods brought about by sporadic heavy rains in the area during the last two weeks.
Carly Garcia, acting municipal social welfare and development officer, said the floods damaged several farm-to-market roads, bridges, personal properties, irrigation facilities and various farm crops.
"We're still assessing the exact damage but the initial reports from the field show that all our barangays were affected by the floods."
Garcia said at least 13 families in Poblacion, Polomolok have evacuated to safer grounds following two incidents of flooding along the Maria Rosa Creek.
She said five houses were washed away by the flashfloods while the other families decided to abandon their homes for safety reasons.
Garcia said the municipal government of Polomolok has already distributed food assistance and other supplies to the victims.
Wilfredo Jandic, municipal administrator, initially placed the damage brought by the floods at P30 to P40 million.
He said at least 14 barangays have submitted damage reports on the effects of the floods.
Aside from infrastructure, he said the floods also affected fishponds and livestock in barangays located at the lowland portion of the town.
Jandic said they are set to meet with officials of Dole Philippines and the barangays affected by the calamity to assess further damages and determine the immediate assistance needed by the victims.
