BARMM on red alert after massive floods

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is now on red alert following a massive flooding that affected thousands of residents, the BARMM Information Office said on Monday.

The state weather bureau, meanwhile, reported a low-pressure area over the east of Mindanao will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains in Caraga, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar on July 17. Should the LPA develop into a tropical cyclone within 24 to 48 hours, it would be named “Butchoy.”

The Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council raised the alert due to the rapid escalation of the emergency, aggravated by the effects of the southwest monsoon.

The death toll in the massive flooding also rose to eight with the drowning of a 22-year-old male in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday.

Benjamin Alip, municipal disaster officer of Pagalungan, said in a radio interview Monday the victim tried to rescue his cow in Barangay Damalasak.

Pagalungan was among the 22 of 24 towns in Maguindanao del Sur that were submerged by floodwaters following heavy downpour, which also affected neighboring North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Norte provinces.

The most affected town of Matanog reported that five children perished due to flash floods on July 9 while two residents of Balabagan and Kapatagan towns in Lanao del Sur also died after they were swept away by rampaging floodwaters.

Affected barangays had already reached 343, displacing some 94,395 families.

The government has sent financial aid and relief supplies to families affected by the southwest monsoon in Matanong over the weekend, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said.

In Matanog, 76 residents with partially damaged houses received P5,000 each, totaling P380,000, while 286 residents with completely damaged houses received P10,000 each, amounting to P2.86 million. Burial assistance of P10,000 was also given to two beneficiaries.

At the Balabagan Evacuation Center, 157 residents with partially damaged houses received P5,000 each, totaling P785,000, while 10 residents with completely damaged houses received P 10,000 each, totaling P100,000. Burial assistance of P10,000 was also provided to two residents.