Localized thunderstorms displace 617 families in Davao City

DAVAO CITY—The intense localized thunderstorm on the evening of January 4, 2025, caused significant flooding in several low-lying barangays, affecting approximately 617 families or 2,211 individuals.

The affected barangays included Matina Aplaya, Matina Crossing, and Matina Pangi. The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that five houses were utterly destroyed, while 15 others sustained partial damage.

In response to the flooding, the CDRRMO and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs), emergency clusters, and volunteers promptly assisted residents in evacuating to temporary shelters. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Office (CHO) provided evacuees with hot meals and medical services.

As of January 5, most evacuees have returned to their homes, except for members of five families in Barangay Matina Pangi whose houses were damaged by floods.

The flooding also caused infrastructural disruptions, including the temporary closure of the Balusong Bridge in Matina and the relief bridge connecting Matina Aplaya and Bangkal. In Calinan, several houses and highways were inundated.

CDRRMO Chief Alfredo Baloran commended residents for adhering to preemptive evacuation protocols, emphasizing that cooperation was crucial in ensuring public safety. He urged the public to stay updated on weather advisories and prioritize safety, as scattered rain showers are forecasted in the coming days.

Residents in flood-prone areas must remain vigilant and prepared for further weather disturbances. The CDRRMO continues to monitor weather conditions and stands ready to mobilize resources to ensure the safety and well-being of Davaoeños.