Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Floods hit Davao Norte towns: 1 missing
By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO CITY -- Heavy rains battered Davao del Norte over the weekend, causing flashfloods that affected at least 9,000 families in the province's three municipalities -- Carmen, Braulio E. Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.
Nestor Prado, a resident of Carmen, was reported missing after rampaging waters carried him away while crossing a river.
A team has been organized for Prado's rescue.
The Office of Civil Defense in Southern Mindanao reported Monday that the floods damaged agricultural crops, infrastructure, and livestock.
Estimated damage was placed at P38 million, but the figure is expected to rise as soon as reports from other areas are received.
Civil defense office regional chief Carmelito Lupo said 21 barangays from the affected towns remained underwater as of Monday, prompting officials to order relocation of residents in low-lying areas.
Affected residents were provided with tents as their temporary shelter after they were relocated to safer grounds.
Lupo said at least P5.7 million worth of crops and property were destroyed by floods in Carmen and P33 million in Braulio Dujale. Authorities are still assessing the damages in Sto. Tomas.
Lupo said families who are in low-lying areas, especially those who are far from main roads, have been relocated to higher grounds and have been provided with relief goods.
Hardest hit are barangays Camiling and Magsaysay in Carmen.
Authorities are monitoring those who preferred to stay in their houses.
Lupo said rains have stopped Monday afternoon, but added he expected another heavy downpour because of dark clouds pervading the area.
He also said it would take weeks for the floodwaters to subside even without rains. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(October 24, 2006 issue)
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