Residents living near the Lasang River in Barangay J.P. Laurel were evacuated on Wednesday night, January 18, due to increasing water level and possible soil erosion brought by continuous downpour.
According to Prosper D. Dajalos, Jr.,Officer-in-Charge of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the water level in Lasang River is still normal, but the swift water current and landslide threat prompted them to enforce a pre-emptive evacuation to forty seven (47) families along the riverside.
Residents are now temporarily sheltered at the barangay gymnasium until further notice.
A family in Barangay Santo Niño was also evacuated due to waist-deep flooding in Bitang area of the said barangay.
Based on the 24-hour monitoring of Panabo CDRRMO, the rainfall on January 18 reached to 92.8mm, as the tail end of a cold front continue to bring heavy rain in Mindanao, causing ankle-deep flooding to some areas in the city.
CDRRMO said they are in close coordination with city officials, police, and barangay functionaries, for the evacuation efforts, while elements of the 60th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army will assist in rescue and response operations.
As of January 20, 5a.m., state weather bureau PAGASA said, Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and isolated thunderstorms. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest weather bulletin and keep the drainage systems free from garbage regularly. (Vikki J. Amorio – CIO Panabo)
