COTABATO PROVINCE– In the wake of heavy floods, thousands of residents in Cotabato Province and Maguindanao del Sur have been forced to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter in makeshift tents erected near the highway.
Despite the challenging circumstances, government operations in Datu Montawal Municipality have continued, even as the municipal hall and police station have also been affected.
Employees of the government in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao Del Sur, have taken to operating a payloader in their efforts to clear the flooded Municipal Hall.
Adding to the day’s events, a crucial meeting has been scheduled at the Municipal Hall.
Residents have shared their firsthand experiences of the severe flooding, emphasizing the significant depth of the floodwaters. In response, they have taken the initiative to set up temporary shelters using tarpaulins along the highway. These improvised shelters provide a safe haven while they patiently wait for the waters to recede.
Notably, even the local police station in Datu Montawal has not been spared from the deluge, underscoring the extent of the flooding in the region.
According to reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), a total of eleven barangays have been affected, leaving 6,365 households in distress. Educational institutions and mosques have also experienced the brunt of the floods.
The neighboring municipality of Pagalungan in Maguindanao Del Sur has faced similar challenges, as the flooding has also impacted the local government office.
Furthermore, residents in Kabacan, Cotabato, who have been grappling with floodwaters originating from North Cotabato, have resorted to establishing temporary shelters along the roadside. Seven barangays have been severely affected, with nearly three thousand households enduring the consequences of the calamity.
In light of the situation, numerous families, particularly those residing in low-lying barangays, have been rescued from their inundated homes. Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman has been at the forefront of relief efforts, ensuring that affected residents receive the necessary assistance.
Mayor Pascua-Guzman has confirmed that, fortunately, no casualties have been reported due to the sudden flooding. She has provided assurance that all affected families will receive the support they need during this challenging time.
As the communities of Cotabato Province and Maguindanao Del Sur navigate the aftermath of the devastating floods, it is crucial for authorities and relief organizations to work together to provide assistance and help rebuild the lives of those affected. The resilient spirit displayed by the residents, despite the overwhelming circumstances, serves as an inspiration to us all.
