Floods have swept through over 30 barangays in low-lying areas of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur provinces in the Bangsamoro region, following heavy rains that began on Wednesday afternoon. The floods have affected areas near the 220,000-hectare Ligawasan Delta, a catch basin for large rivers that originate from mountain ranges in nearby provinces. The delta's proximity to the flooded areas has exacerbated the situation, with waters from the rivers overflowing into the surrounding communities. The floods have caused widespread damage and displacement in the region.
Among the hardest-hit areas are Tambunan in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur, and Nituan in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, as well as parts of Cotabato City. Rivers crisscrossing the border of Maguindanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat province have also overflowed, inundating nearby villages and causing further destruction. The floods have disrupted the lives of thousands of people, with many forced to flee their homes in search of higher ground. The situation remains dire, with more rain expected in the coming days.
Emergency teams have been activated to respond to the flood-related emergencies in the affected areas. The teams, composed of personnel from the Army and the Police Regional Office, are working to provide assistance to those in need. The teams were activated on Thursday, following a night of heavy rain that worsened the flooding situation. The military and police are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the floods.
The floods have also affected other areas, including the hinterlands of South Upi and Upi towns in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces. Rivers in these areas have overflowed, causing flashfloods that have destroyed homes and displaced families. In one instance, shanties belonging to ethnic Teduray farmers were destroyed by the flashfloods, leaving the families without shelter. The situation in these areas is precarious, with many families in need of assistance.
In addition to the flooding in the Bangsamoro region, other areas have also been affected by the heavy rains. In Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province, over 700 families have been forced to relocate to higher ground due to flashfloods. Similarly, in the seaside Lebak town in Sultan Kudarat, 15 families have been relocated to safe areas after their homes were flooded. The flooding has caused widespread disruption, with many families forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
