THE municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental have been hit by landslides and flooding due to continuous rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
In Don Marcelino, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reported that the road along Saladoc, Barangay Kinanga, is impassable due to a landslide. The Municipal Engineering Office (MEO) is conducting clearing operations to reopen the traffic road.
“Pasensya sa kalangan, ug daghang salamat sa inyong pagsabot samtang ginapadayon ang pag-ayo sa maong dalan (Apologies for the inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding as road repairs are ongoing),” MDRRMO stated on its official Facebook page.
On May 18, several roads in the municipality also became inaccessible due to heavy rains. Flooding rendered roads in Sitio Kawayan, Kiobog, and Lower Kepiya in Barangay Lawa impassable to all types of vehicles. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes.
A landslide also occurred in Kyuled, Barangay Culanan on May 18, but the affected road was cleared and reopened by May 19. However, the Lawayon Bridge collapsed due to the persistent rains. An alternate route has been made available on the right side of the river for vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense in Davao Region (OCD-Davao) issued Rainfall Advisory No. 1, forecasting light to moderate rains over New Bataan, Maragusan, Pantukan, Laak, and Compostela in Davao de Oro, and in Tagum City, Santo Tomas, New Corella, Asuncion, and San Isidro in Davao del Norte.
Moderate to occasionally heavy rains are also expected in Nabunturan, Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Montevista, all in Davao de Oro.
OCD-Davao has urged the public and concerned disaster risk reduction offices to stay alert and monitor weather updates, with the next advisory expected at 5 p.m., May 19. RGP