Families rescued from floods in Davao Region

Rescue operations were conducted in Davao Region following floods from heavy rains induced by the trough of a low pressure area affecting Mindanao on Wednesday.

A report by Nico Waje on "Balitanghali" showed a video of two men attempting to traverse a river with their motorcycle in Tarragona, Davao Oriental after a bridge collapsed.

Residents in other parts of the province were evacuated, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao reported.

The municipalities of Boston and Lupon experienced landslides, as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis in affected areas.

In a separate interview on Balitanghali, Fe Fuentes, head of the Public Information Office in Davao de Oro, said they have also received reports of landslides in their province.

Waters in brooks and rivers have also overflowed, Fuentes added.

Relief assistance is continuously being provided for affected residents while clearing operations are being held on roads with landslide debris, Fuentes said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued a Red Rainfall Warning in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental as of 2:10 p.m.

This means heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides are expected in the said provinces.

Meanwhile in Rosario, Agusan del Sur, floods due to incessant rains turned a road into a river, forcing some residents to ride a boat to cross.

The local government said it is on standby for residents who need to be evacuated. 

Rescue operations were also conducted in Bislig, Surigao Del Sur. Residents were rescued by boats and were asked to wear their life vests.

The Coast Guard station of Surigao Del Sur said 13 families were transferred to evacuation centers.—Jamil Santos/LDF, GMA Integrated News