BUTUAN CITY (March 13) — When the rains came early Monday, many families in the Caraga Region had little time to prepare. Within hours, floods and landslides swept through 108 barangays, forcing 515 families — more than 1,400 individuals — to leave their homes for safety.
For residents of Dinagat Islands, the storm was a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seasonal rains. “We packed our essentials and headed to the evacuation center. It was scary, but we knew it was safer than staying at home,” said one mother who declined to be named.
According to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Caraga (RDRRMC13), the weather disturbance, a trough of a tropical storm, affected nearly 38,000 families or 129,084 individuals across the region.
Surigao del Sur saw 12,949 families affected, Dinagat Islands had 21,251 families impacted, and Agusan del Sur reported 3,640 families affected.
Despite the heavy rains, the region’s response teams acted swiftly. Clearing operations restored access to all previously impassable roads, and power services were fully restored within two days. By Wednesday afternoon, most evacuees had returned home.
“Thanks to the coordination among local governments and our emergency responders, we were able to ensure safety and minimize disruption,” said a spokesperson from RDRRMC13.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that Tropical Storm Nuri remains outside the country’s area of responsibility, located 1,405 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. Yet, the associated rainfall was enough to trigger localized flooding and landslides in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
For many families, the event was more than a weather report — it was a test of resilience. Community volunteers helped clear debris, shared food and clean water, and ensured that evacuation centers had basic supplies. “Even in difficult times, neighbors help each other. That’s what keeps us strong,” said another resident in Surigao del Sur.
The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent risk of flooding and landslides in Caraga, highlighting the importance of preparedness, quick response, and community solidarity to weather the challenges of the rainy season.
