Southern Mindanao villagers alerted on floods, landslides

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Authorities warned of possible flash floods and landslides in certain parts of Southern Mindanao with the onset of rains due to a shallow low pressure area.

In an advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said several rivers in the region might swell within the next 24 hours.

Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Eastern Mindanao, urged villagers living near mountain slopes, in low-lying areas and along riverbanks to be on alert for flash floods and landslides.

Feared to overflow are the Catul, Dapras, Banganga-Mahaneb and Manurigao rivers in Compostela Valley, as well as the Caraga, Casaunan, Quinonoan, Bugnanmayo and Sumlog rivers in Davao Oriental.

In Davao del Norte, residents near the Hijo, Libuganon, Tuganay, Saug and Lasang rivers have also been cautioned.

In Davao City, those living near the Talomo River were also advised to take precautionary measures should the rains continue.

The Mainit, Lipadas and Tagulaya-Sibuyan rivers were also reported to be among those that could overflow.

Authorities have also alerted thousands of small-scale miners at the gold-rush site on Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, which has been struck by a series of landslides in the past few months, along with other mining sites in Pantukan and Maco towns.