Davao Flood Alert: 358 Families Evacuate, 1 Dead After Heavy Rains
Heavy rains from the ITCZ and easterlies flooded Davao City, killing one person and forcing 358 families to evacuate.
Davao City residents were hit by dangerous flooding after heavy rains from the easterlies and the intertropical convergence zone, or ITCZ, battered parts of the city from Monday night into Tuesday. The situation quickly turned serious, with one fatality reported and hundreds of families forced to leave their homes.
According to The Philippine Star, a 21-year-old man died after reportedly being electrocuted near his home in Barangay Buhangin and later drowning. He was brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival at around 3:15 a.m.
City information officer Harvey Lanticse said 358 families evacuated on Monday night as floodwaters rose in affected areas. By Tuesday morning, some evacuees had started returning home, but damage was still being assessed as cleanup and clearing operations continued.
The rains also damaged key infrastructure. A river swelled and caused a 15-meter bridge in Barangay Callawa to collapse, while a hanging bridge in Barangay Matina Pangi was also damaged. The Department of Public Works and Highways said it plans to install temporary access for light vehicles while seeking funds for a replacement bridge.
Classes at all levels and government work in Davao City were suspended to protect residents and support clearing operations, while emergency offices stayed open. PAGASA said the ITCZ would continue affecting parts of Mindanao, while Metro Manila and the rest of the country may still see localized thunderstorms. Source: The Philippine Star
