Maguindanao floods affect at least 13,000 families

MANILA, Philippines (2ND UPDATE) – More than 13, 000 families are affected by flooding caused by persistent rains in Maguindanao province that began on June 13, Friday.

According to the state disaster management agency, NDRRMC, the flooding was worsened by the accumulation of water hyacinth in the Tamontaka River and Rio Grande de Mindanao. 

In its latest report, posted Friday June 20, the following 13 towns are affected:

• Ampatuan
• Datu Abdullah Sangki
• Datu Montawal
• Datu Odin Sinsuat
• Datu Piang
• Datu Salibo
• Mother Kabuntalan
• Mamasapano
• Pagalungan
• Northern Kabuntalan
• Rajah Buayan
• Sharif Saydona
• Sultan Sa Barongis

On June 18, a motorized banca capsized in Sitio Lantang, Barangay Matuber in Datu Blah Sinsuat.

About 200 hectares of rice and corn fields with an estimated value of P805,000 were also damaged.

All bridges and roads are passable. There are no casualties reported.

Government response

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has already deployed responders to attend to the needs of the affected residents.

Malacañang assured Friday, June 20, that flood victims in Maguindanao were being taken care of and provided relief.

In an interview with DZRB, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the national government was working with the local governments as well as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to help those displaced by floods.

Valte said there were evacuation centers now being operated for the victims and relief goods were being given to them. – with reports from Karlos Manlupig/Rappler.com