Up to 59 barangays in Maguindanao del Sur have experienced flooding due to the effects of the trough of Tropical Storm #KristinePH, forcing more than 200 families to flee their homes.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the 59 barangays are in eight towns.

These towns include Datu Hoffer, Paglat, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Pandag, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Ampatuan, Sultan sa Barongis, and Guindulungan.

Several houses and schools in Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano were submerged in floodwaters.

Farmlands were also affected.

Floodwaters in Talayan town also reached waist-deep while rescue operations were launched in Labu-Labu 2, Datu Hoffer after several families were trapped inside their homes.

“Mayroon po tayong na-rescue na walong pamilya doon na na-trap po sa loob kasi tumaas po ang level ng tubig, umabot ng hanggang dibdib, nahihirapan yung mga bata at saka matatanda, so we have to augment the rescue efforts ng municipalities ng Datu Hoffer,” PDRRMO Head, Ameer Jehad Ambalodto, said.

No casualty was reported. The families affected are staying temporarily at evacuation centers and were given assistance.

PDRRMO said the province is still under a state of calamity also due to flooding a few months ago.

“Although these past how many months, ilang beses na po tayong nagdeklara ng state of calamity sa ating probinsya. Meron pa naman tayong natitirang disaster funds, so the good governor has already instructed mag-repack tayo sa ating logistics operation center. She is in contact din sa DSWD Secretary para maghingi ng additional tulong para sa ating mga kababayan,” Ambalodto said.