More than 50 families have fled their homes due to flooding in Santa Maria, Davao Occidental shortly before midnight on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

According to a report by GMA Super Radyo Davao, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) said 48 families were evacuated in Barangay San Agustin and 31 individuals in Barangay Basiawan.

The families and individuals affected are staying at the evacuation center temporarily and were given immediate assistance such as food, among others.

The Santa Maria Davao Occidental MDRRMC-Emergency Operation Center (OpCen) was also activated to strengthen information dissemination, monitoring, and reporting of concerns related to the bad weather.

Authorities said the bad weather experienced in the town was caused by the combined effects of the shear line and low pressure area (LPA).

(With reports from John Ryan Calonia, GMA Super Radyo Dava)