BUTUAN CITY (February 20) — Torrential rains triggered by a shear line forced evacuations, class suspensions, and road closures across parts of Caraga on Thursday, as local officials scrambled to prevent casualties from flooding and landslides.
In Tandag City, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel ordered the suspension of classes at all levels and halted work in both public and private offices. She also directed preemptive evacuations in vulnerable areas.
“Such weather disturbances pose a clear and present danger to life, property, mobility, school operations, and livelihood, particularly in coastal, low-lying, flood-prone, and landslide-susceptible areas of the City,” Pimentel said in her executive order.
The city’s Emergency Operations Center was placed under blue alert, with barangay officials instructed to intensify monitoring. Residents living near riverbanks and along coastal zones began moving to safer ground as floodwaters rose.
Flooded Barangays, Reported Landslides
In Bislig City, Mayor Florencio Garay also suspended classes after flooding inundated multiple barangays, including Bucto, Pamanlinan, Maharlika, Mone, Mangagoy, Comawas, and Tabon. A landslide was reported in Barangay Tabon, prompting heightened monitoring in upland communities.
Other municipalities in Surigao del Sur — San Miguel, Cantilan, and Carrascal — also announced class suspensions as steady rains persisted.
In Agusan del Sur, Governor Santiago Cane Jr. ordered the suspension of classes at all levels starting 1 p.m., citing an advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Government offices, however, remained open.
Bridge Closure, River Monitoring
The Department of Public Works and Highways in Caraga temporarily closed the Sibahay Bridge along the Surigao–Davao Coastal Road in Cortes to ensure motorist safety amid swelling waters.
Major river systems across affected LGUs are under close watch as moderate to heavy rainfall continues. Authorities warned that saturated soil conditions heighten the risk of further landslides, particularly in mountainous and previously affected areas.
Communities on Alert
While no casualties were immediately reported, local disaster response teams remain on standby as rainbands continue to drench parts of northeastern Mindanao.
Residents are advised to monitor official advisories, avoid flooded roads and landslide-prone slopes, and coordinate with barangay officials for evacuation assistance if needed.
For many communities in Caraga, the shear line serves as another reminder of the region’s vulnerability to weather disturbances — where hours of intense rain can quickly turn into displacement, disrupted classes, and damaged infrastructure.
