At least 50,000 residents evacuate as flood hits North Cotabato

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – At least 50,000 residents left their homes as massive flooding caused by a heavy downpour hit the province of North Cotabato on Friday evening.

Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said 6 towns covering 26 barangays were devastated by the flood. Affected municipalities include Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Mlang, President Roxas and Tulunan.

As of late Saturday afternoon, many areas were reported to be still submerged in floodwater, prompting residents to build tents along the shoulder of the national highway.

At least 2 houses in Tuael, President Roxas were destroyed by a landslide, Mendoza said.

A hanging bridge in Minapan, Tulunan was also damaged by the flooding.

Schools in Kabacan including Dilangalen Elementary School, Lumayong Elementary School, Lumayong High School, Malabuaya Elementary School, and Datu Mantawil Memorial Elementary School were inundated with floodwater. 

Minapan Elementary School and Minapan High School in Tulunan were also flooded, Mendoza said.






Mendoza added that the village centers of Kayaga and Salapungan in Kabacan were also damaged by the flooding.

There are no reports of casualties as of posting. – Rappler.com