3-2-2024 (MANILA) The southern Philippines has been ravaged by torrential rain, leading to devastating landslides and floods that have claimed the lives of at least 14 people, according to official reports on Saturday. Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island, has been pounded by incessant rainfall for weeks, forcing tens of thousands of residents to seek refuge in emergency shelters.
The mountainous gold mining province of Davao de Oro has been particularly affected, with 10 reported deaths due to the relentless downpours. Fe Maestre, the provincial information officer, described the rainfall as unprecedented, stating, “I haven’t experienced that kind of heavy and continuous rain before.” Among the casualties, three fatalities occurred in New Bataan municipality, while landslides in Maragusan and Monkayo municipalities claimed the lives of four individuals. In addition, three people drowned in separate incidents in Pantukan and Maco municipalities.
In the neighboring province of Davao del Norte, four people were buried under a landslide that hit a house in Kapalong municipality, as reported by Jaiasent Cabactulan, a rescue officer. The adjacent province of Agusan del Sur has also been severely affected by widespread flooding, causing villages and crops to be submerged. Alexis Cabardo, a spokesman for the provincial disaster agency, warned that it could take up to five or six days for the floodwaters to recede, as more water flows down from Davao de Oro. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating, “We still have to be alert.”
The Philippines is ranked among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As global warming leads to a warmer atmosphere that can hold more water, the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall events are amplified.
