Vinta aftermath: Hundreds of Davaoeños evacuated due to flashflood

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED)— Hundreds of families residing near riverbanks and low-lying areas evacuated as flooding hit their villages and rescue operations still ongoing.

The City Government of Davao sent 911 rescuers along with police and Task Force Davao personnel, Red Cross and other civic groups to transfer the residents to a safer ground.

As of 12:00 midnight, various civic groups helped in the rescue operations in Jade Valley and  Deca Homes in Tigatto. Some residents stayed on top of their roof for safety.

Residents of Don Julian Village, Maa, started to evacuate at 8:00 pm as flood water was high and some houses submerged. Power supply has been cut-off as of 12:00 midnight.

The rivers of Lasang, Bankerohan and Mandug started to swell late afternoon Friday as rain waters from the neighboring provinces cascaded   after  tropical storm Vinta made a landfall in Cateel, Davao Oriental.

As of 9:00 in the evening, December 22, Rescue teams were dispatched to San Rafael, Gravahan, UM area, Jade valley and Grand Mensing areas. Rescue teams from Eastern Mindanao Command also assisted in the operations.

As of 9:00 in the evening, affected areas are as follows:

• Bankerohan River overflowed affecting barangays 2-A, 5-A, 10-A, 19-A with floodwaters.

  Evacuation in these areas are ongoing and assisted by Central 911 with Police Station 2 Search and Rescue personnel.

• El Rio– Barangay 19-B evacuees numbering to 300 families have been sheltered now at El Rio gym. Community cooking provided by barangay to the affected residents.

• Jade Valley — Rescue operations ongoing in Jade Valley and other flooded areas. Police search and rescue teams now proceeding to flooded areas.

• Mandug- Soldiers in Mandug rescued more or less 250 civilians in sitio Liluan, Brgy Mandug, Buhangin District Davao City who were trapped in the flood 6:30 pm today. residents are now temporarily sheltered at Mandug Barangay Hall while others stayed at the DMMA Gymnasium. Also Deca Homes in Tigatto is underwater.

  

Earlier on, some 69 families from the village of Buda evacuated to Buda barangay Hall and Gym.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go helped evacuate the residents using a speed boat.

Residents of Don Julian said the current of water is so strong and water level was higher compared to the June 28, 2008 flashflood.

Members of the different rescue groups helped evacuate the residents. Water level continuously swell As of 1:25 in the morning December 23.

The City Social Services Department have distributed foodstuff to the affected residents.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph