Kidapawan mayor suspends classes after flash floods

KIDAPAWAN CITY (Sept. 12/NDBC) -- Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista today suspended classes in all levels in the city following flash floods that displaced families in at least eight villages.Speaking over DXND-Radyo Bida Kidapawan, Evangelista said the suspension will help ensure the safety of pupils and the general public in the city which sits at the foot of the country's highest peak - Mt. Apo. Classes are suspended today in all levels, both in public and privateschools, Evangelista said.As the city government responds to calamities, residents fear of similar flash floods as dark clouds hover Kidapawan City and nearby areas on Friday morning.Nuangan river which emanates from Mt. Apo overflowed Thursday night following an hour long heavy downpour and triggered flash floods.Evangelista also appealed to residents in low lying villages to remain calm and stay home. Refrain from crossing rivers or creeks, let the water levels recede before attempting to cross, he sad in Filipino. Do not touch boulders in your surrounding, let the disaster personnel do the job, he said. If the area is still dangerous, stay put because Rescue 911 is working. Evangelista said the city disaster risk reduction and management council, along with other government agencies are now out to attend to the needs of the affected families. Needs assessment is still on going, Evangelista said.The Nuangan river overflowed at about 8 p.m. last night following rain fall that described by experts as dangerous due to its amount.Psalmer Bernalte, city information chief and disaster action man, said no casualty was reported so far but the floods displaced some 270 families in at least eight villages. (NDBC)