THE Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that around 600 families were affected by flooding caused by localized thunderstorms.
CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran shared in a media interview on Monday, January 6, 2024, at City Hall Drive that a total of 617 families were impacted by the recent floods.
“Right after pag-subside sa tubig ang mga evacuees namalik dayon sa ilang mga tagsa-tagsa ka mga panimalay based sa amoang recommendation pwede na sila mubalik (Right after the water subsided, evacuees returned to their homes based on our recommendation that it was safe to go back),” Baloran said.
Five houses near rivers were completely destroyed, and 15 houses in Matina Pangi sustained partial damage. Families whose homes were destroyed are temporarily staying with neighbors.
Tragically, one man lost his life while attempting to rescue his pet horse. He was swept away by strong currents near Crossing Malabog, Paquibato District, on January 4, 2024. Witnesses said he tried to cross the river despite rising water levels.
Baloran said that the CDRRMO continues to educate residents in low-lying and high-risk areas about the importance of identifying safer places to relocate. These areas have been mapped out as prone to flooding and other disasters, and residents may face displacement at any time.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense - Davao Region (OCD-Davao), 617 families were affected by the flooding, including 132 from Matina Pangi, 415 from Matina Crossing, and 70 from Matina Aplaya.
The flooding, caused by intense rain and rising river water levels, highlighted the vulnerability of flood-prone areas in Davao City. RGP
