Sultan Kudarat floods affect 4,730 families
• 16:20 PM Thu Jun 25, 2015
2,468
By:
Ferdinandh Cabrera and Edwin Fernandez
Rampaging waters threaten a bridge in Koronadal City after heavy downpour swept through South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. (Photo by Al Saludo-DXOM-AM)
TACURONG CITY –
More than 20,000 persons have been displaced by flash floods triggered by an
overnight heavy rain Wednesday in Sultan Kudarat, disaster officials said.
The overnight
down pour was followed by a day-long light to moderate rain, sending villagers
in low lying communities of Sultan Kudarat moving to safer grounds, according
to Henry Albano, Sultan Kudarat provincial risk reduction and management
council action officer.
Flooded were
the towns of Lutayan, Isulan, Lambayong, Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat and
Tacurong City, affecting 4,630 individuals.
The floods
that submerged Sultan Kudarat communities emanated from the mountain towns of Tampakan
and Tupi in South Cotabato.
A bridge that
linked Lutayan town to South Cotabato was damaged and rendered impassable.
Albano said
the residents were caught unaware when the rivers overflowed at past 10 a.m.
and had little time to save valuables as flood water rose quickly.
Albano said
the Kapingkong river that crossed the Isulan-Tacurong City highway overflowed
and submerged residential areas on Wednesday afternoon.
Albano said
several houses made of light materials were carried away by rampaging flood
water while hundreds of hectares of rice fields were inundated.
Sultan Kudarat
Rep. Raden Sakaluran said the most affected town was Lutayan after roads from
the town center to Tacurong had been affected and rendered impassable for cargo
trucks.
A vital bridge
showed some weaknesses, the strong water current has weakened the bridge
foundation. So farmers could not bring agriculture
products to the market unless the government creates an alternate route,” Sakaluran
said.
Mayor Ruth
Mangudadatu-Sakaluran said the local government is establishing alternate route
even for light vehicles. Public works continue Thursday amid drizzle.
Albano said at
past 8 p.m. Wednesday, the provincial engineering office personnel conducted
forced evacuation of villagers living along the Isulan-Tacurong highway,
particularly in Barangay Kenram.
Albano said
nobody was hurt or died during the calamity.