Typhoon Danas triggers widespread flooding in Southern Philippines; Thousands Displaced in Zamboanga City and Davao Oriental

DAVAO CITY (July 6)-  Thousands of residents across southern Mindanao were forced to flee their homes over the weekend as Typhoon Danas, intensified by the southwest monsoon, unleashed relentless rain that caused severe flooding in several provinces.

In Zamboanga City, a total of 739 families or 2,374 individuals from seven barangays were affected by rising waters on July 5, according to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Seven evacuation centers were activated, though only six remained operational as of Sunday, sheltering 706 families.

The flooding was attributed to the overflowing of the Tumaga River, which burst its banks after hours of heavy rainfall.

Mayor Khymer Olaso immediately mobilized city departments for rescue and relief efforts.

City Social Welfare and Development Office Head Socorro Rojas, said “We coordinated overnight to ensure affected residents, especially those in low-lying areas, were brought to safety.”

The Tumaga Elementary School became the largest evacuation site, housing 571 families, while other families sought refuge at the Sta. Maria Covered Court, Pasonanca Barangay Hall, and Tugbungan Barangay Hall.

One evacuee from Barangay Tumaga said, “We woke up with water rushing into our house. It was pitch dark. We carried our kids out and waded through the flood. It was terrifying.”

While in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) mounted a rescue operation early July 6 in Sitio Kagamisan, Barangay Surop, where floodwaters cut off access to several households.

Dozens of residents, including pregnant women and children, were trapped and later rescued with help from Philippine Army troops, who assisted in safely guiding them across a rapidly swelling river.

“The rains from Typhoon Danas, formerly Typhoon Bising, submerged our barangay early in the morning,” said one MDRRMO responder. “Military support was crucial, especially with children and expectant mothers in danger.”

With Typhoon Danas continuing to dump rain across Western and Southern Mindanao, local government units are on high alert for potential landslides, storm surges, and further river overflows.

“We’re prioritizing clean water, food, and medical care for evacuees,” Rojas added. “We will not authorize return to flooded areas until we are sure it is safe.”

As of this report, no fatalities have been recorded. Authorities are conducting damage assessments and preparing for potential after-effects as weather conditions remain unstable.