300 Rescued As Heavy Rains Cause Severe Flooding In Davao City

Heavy rains triggered flooding in parts of Davao City on Friday night, July 24, forcing residents to evacuate as rivers overflowed and floodwaters submerged residential communities. 

Several houses were damaged by the flooding while a number of vehicles and motorcycles were swept away. 

Among the flooded houses was that of former president Rodrigo Duterte along Taal St., Bangkal, Davao City. 

As early as 5:30 p.m., the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) issued a warning that “an increase in water levels in river systems and creeks, urban flooding and other associated hazards are likely to occur.”

The CDRRMO instructed the Barangay Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Committee and volunteer groups to prepare the evacuation sites. 

At 6:11 p.m., the CDRRMO advised preemptive evacuation for residents in Brgy. Tugbok Proper as the water in Talomo River rose beyond critical level. 

The city-wide siren was activated in Salakot, Talomo Proper as part of the second alarm or preemptive measure. 

As the rains continued, the CDRRMO directed all residents along riverbanks to evacuate. 

Among the hardest-hit communities were Barangay Talomo Proper, Bangkal, Teachers Village, Tugbok Proper, Riverside, Catalunan Pequeño, Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing and Matina Aplaya. 

In some areas, floodwaters rose above five feet, leaving dozens of residents stranded on rooftops and upper floors of their homes while waiting for rescuers. 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Southeastern Mindanao said at least 300 people were evacuated from Barangay Talomo Proper and temporarily sheltered at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Evacuation Center.

By 11:45 p.m., the CDRRMO reported that water levels in the city’s major river systems began to subside, with floodwaters gradually receding in Talomo, Tugbok and Matina. 

Initial reports did not indicate any fatality related to the flooding, although authorities continued monitoring affected communities and conducting post-flood assessments. 

The PCG said the operation was carried out in close coordination with barangay officials, the CDRRMO and other response agencies.  –  With an additional report from Bella Cariaso