The flooding and landslides in the Davao region have killed at least 16 people, as of Sunday, February 4, 2024.

Among the latest casualties were a couple and their two children who got buried in a landslide in Sitio Awod, Gupitan in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

The victims were in their home when mounds of soil and rocks fell on their house. Their bodies were retrieved a day after on February 3.

The fatalities were identified as Julius and Josie Loon, 45 and 48 years old; and their minor children, 14 and 11 years old, respectively.

Meanwhile, two more bodies of dead people were found in Davao de Oro.

One reportedly died during a flood in Barangay Kingking, Pantukan town while the other was a 98-year-old woman who was buried in a landslide in Barangay Banlag in Monkayo.

Up to 100,000 families have been affected by the calamities triggered by continuous rain.

CHALLENGES

In Barangay Suwaon in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, residents had to use a raft to cross a river to help distribute aid from the local government unit to those affected by flood.

This after the foot bridge that connected two sitios, Adilanto and Tuguano, was destroyed.

The foot bridge collapsed when many people went on it in the hopes of catching coconuts that were carried away by the river.

One man died in the incident.

A barangay councilman said approximately 40 people were on the food bridge that he even called them out.

“Sinita ko pa sila naam dito ako pumatong sabi ko paalisin ang mga tao dahil sobra na ang bigat. Siguro mahigit kumulang nasa 40 ka tao,” the councilman said.

Kapalong Mayor Tess Timbol said they hope to source out funds to rebuild the bridge, this time, a concrete one that is more durable.

In Davao del Norte, the provincial government utilized an urban and rescue vehicle to transport residents stranded by flood in Carmen. The vehicle was also used to bring food and water to residents stranded by the flood in Tagum City.

Governor Edwin Jubahib said the rescue vehicle is the only vehicle that can navigate through floodwaters.

Meanwhile, a payloader was used to navigate through floodwaters to transport residents. One time, some residents hopped on the vehicle to cross the flooded national highway to go to the Davao International Airport.

WEATHER FORECAST

As of 5 a.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024, the state weather bureau Pag-asa said easterlies were still affecting the eastern section of the Visayas and Mindanao.