AiBotA tropical depression that swept through the Philippines has brought intense flooding to Davao City and nearby communities. Residents in several barangays have been ordered to evacuate their homes as waters continue to rise, with the city struggling to contain the deluge.
According to official reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the tropical depression made landfall on Wednesday evening, dumping torrential rainfall on the city and nearby provinces. Residents took to social media to share images of flooded streets and rivers overflowing their banks, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Emergency responders have been working around the clock to evacuate families from flooded areas, with over 700 people relocated to temporary shelters as of Thursday morning. “We’re trying our best to reach as many families as possible, but it’s a challenging situation,” said Colonel Alexander Tagum, chief of the Davao City Police Department’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit. “We’re urging everyone to stay safe and follow evacuation orders.”
The city has established several evacuation centers, with relief supplies and food being distributed to affected families. The Davao City Social Services Department has also set up a help desk to assist residents in need of assistance.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, residents have expressed frustration at the slow pace of relief efforts. “We’ve been waiting for hours for help to arrive,” said Maria Cruz, a 35-year-old resident of Barangay Bucana. “The flooding has ruined our homes and destroyed our livelihoods. We just want someone to listen to us.”
The city’s infrastructure has been severely affected by the flooding, with major roads and highways impassable due to floodwaters. Power outages have also been reported in several areas, with energy companies working to restore services as quickly as possible.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has sent a team to assess the extent of the damage to city roads and infrastructure. “We’re working closely with local authorities to clear floodwaters and repair damaged roads as quickly as possible,” said Director Blesila Lantayona, spokesperson for the DPWH in Region XI.
The tropical depression is expected to remain in the area for the next 24 to 48 hours, with continued heavy rainfall forecasted. Residents have been warned to remain indoors and follow evacuation orders, with emergency responders on standby to respond to any further incidents.
As communities in Davao struggle to contain the devastating effects of the floods, local authorities have stressed the importance of cooperation and vigilance in the aftermath of the disaster.