42 people evacuated: Flashflood hits Danao City

CEBU, Philippines - At least 42 people from Barangay Taboc in Danao City have been temporarily evacuated to the barangay’s covered court after they were affected by the flashfloods brought about by the heavy downpour last Saturday.

The victims were rescued by the members of the Philippine Coastguard and the Danao City Police after they were trapped by floodwaters when the S-shaped river between Sitio Kamalig-Bato,Taboc and Sitio Bonifacio Extension, Poblacion overflowed.

Danao City Councilor John Cane told The FREEMAN that the city government provided food and clothing to the affected residents.

According to Cane, the city government also received food assistance from the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare Office.

Cane said they were advised to temporary stay at the barangay covered court to ensure their safety, while others mostly residing in nearby Barangay Poblacion returned their respected houses.

More than 300 families were stranded and some livestock were carried away by the strong currents. Mud also covered the floors of the residents’ houses. No one, however, was reported hurt during the incident.

The Danao City councilor said that those living in danger zone were advised to transfer especially those in salvage zone areas along the river banks.

Danao City Agriculturist Mario Gorre proposes at least three measures to prevent the reoccurrence of flashfloods in the area.

Gorre who conducted an ocular inspection at the affected areas said that the illegal quarry and sand and gravel extraction in the river contributed to the incident.

He proposed that illegal sand and gravel extractions from the river should be stopped immediately. Gorre also recommended the evacuation of the residents living in the danger zone.

 “Strict enforcement of the laws gyud ang pinaka dali nga solusyon…ako i-recommend nga i-stop ang sand and gravel extraction” Gorre added.

According to him, most of the quarries are small time. But he contested that “bisan gagmay apan kun kada-adlaw nalang, kuyaw gihapon.”

“Irregular ang path nga murag zigzag, mao nga mo-collapse gyud ang yuta…ma apiktohan gyud ang mga balay” he said.

Danao City Councilor Roland Reyes, chairman on environmental protection and natural resources, said he will call on a meeting with the concerned barangay officials to discuss their plans.

Reyes said that he will also take Gorre’s proposals before the city council. (THE FREEMAN)