BARMM on red alert as flooding affects 94,395 families

Red alert was raised over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) due to the massive flooding affecting 94,395 families, the Bangsamoro Information Office said on Monday.

In a statement, the Bangsamoro Information Office said the alert was raised in light of the “rapid escalation of emergency situation” that worsens the effects of the Southwest Moonsoon or Habagat.

"Now that we are on red alert, it is expected that our response will be intensified in coordination with various government agencies including the local government," Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Response’s (READi) Leobelo Joefel Delicana said in a press conference on Sunday.

On July 9, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) also brought heavy rains and caused flash floods in Malabang and Balabagan in Lanao del Sur and Matanog in Maguindanao del Norte.

Search and rescue operation, relief operation, and other assistance were deployed in affected areas.

After a few days, flooding was also reported in several municipalities in the Special Geographic Area (SGA), Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan.

SGA and  Maguindanao del Sur are located within the Ligawasan Delta which served as catch basin in Central Mindanao.

"When heavy rain or flooding occurs in nearby provinces like Bukidon, SGA and Maguindanao del Sur are also affected," Delicana said.

The massive flooding in the Bangsamoro region has killed at least five people as of July 12, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - BARMM.

Three people died in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte while two others were reported dead in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur.

OCD-BARMM added that 12 people were reported hurt – eight in Matanog town and four in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.

At least five people were reported missing including two in Matanog; two in Balabagan; and one in Kapatagan.

In Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, fields and houses were submerged as a river swelled and caused flooding in the area, GMA Integrated News’ Jhomer Apresto reported on Unang Balita on Monday. Stranded residents were rescued.

Residents in Mamasapano also evacuated due to the waist-deep flood.

In Kabacan, Cotabato, around 600 hectares of rice fields were damaged. The local government said 2,800 families were affected.

Rescue operations were conducted in Pikit all night amid the floods. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided assistance to the affected barangays.

According to PAGASA, localized thunderstorms are also affecting some parts of Luzon.

In Real, Quezon, a strong current flowed across a portion of Real-Mauban Road following a landslide and heavy downpour. Clearing operations were conducted on the blocked road.

A church in Hungduan, Ifugao was damaged after a soil erosion. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News