FLASH FLOODS SUBMERGE SARANGANI COMMUNITIES IN WAKE OF MAGNITUDE 7.8 EARTHQUAKE

Photo by: Maasim Information Office / Facebook

Heavy rainfall triggered widespread flash floods across multiple municipalities here over the weekend, submerging residential areas and forcing emergency evacuations just days after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the province on June 8.

The compounding disasters have strained local emergency resources, prompting rapid deployment of relief goods and search-and-retrieval monitoring by provincial authorities.

Torrential Rains Inundate Municipalities

According to the Sarangani Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), localized thunderstorms brought continuous downpours, causing rivers and upland water channels to overflow.

The hardest-hit areas include:

Maasim: Rapidly rising floodwaters swept through Barangay Lumasal (Upper Lumasal) and Barangay Kiongok. Water levels exceeded two feet inside multiple homes, forcing families to flee to higher ground.

Alabel: In Barangay Baluntay, flash floods initially submerged 94 households in Purok Talik. While waters in some pockets of Alabel have begun to recede, the area remains under close watch.

Maitum: Severe spilling was recorded in Barangay Malalag, disrupting primary transit routes and halting daily community routines.

Compound Disaster Response

The flash floods have aggravated an already critical situation. Upland soil and riverbanks, loosened by the severe June 8 earthquake, are highly susceptible to erosion and landslides, increasing the volume of mud and debris carried down by the water.

In response, the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Sarangani, led by Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao, has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XII to mobilize emergency operations.

Relief Distribution: Disaster response teams are actively deploying family food packs containing rice, canned goods, and instant noodles to displaced residents.

Damage Assessment: The PDRRMO is conducting a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) to evaluate the structural integrity of bridges and roads compromised by both the earthquake tremors and subsequent water surges.

Safety Advisories: Upland and low-lying coastal communities are urged to remain highly vigilant. The PDRRMO has warned of potential secondary flash floods due to ongoing unpredictable weather patterns.

Local authorities are advising all residents near river channels to strictly follow municipal evacuation orders if water levels rise further.