By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Moderate to heavy rains have adversely affected 68,058 families or 257,243 individuals across the Caraga Region as a shear line continues to affect most provinces.
Of the number, 16,219 families or 57,213 individuals were displaced by floods and landslides from their homes and communities, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Caraga (RDRRMC‑13) reported on Saturday.
Of those displaced, 6,607 families or 21,604 individuals are sheltered in 82 designated evacuation centers, while 9,612 families or 35,609 individuals are staying outside the centers. Local government units have started relief operations.
“Caraga is experiencing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line. Possible flash floods or landslides may occur as moderate to heavy rains persist,” the RDRRMC‑13 said in its report.
As of Saturday, the council’s alert level remains at blue (heightened alert), including the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.
The RDRRMC‑13 also reported 32 houses damaged by floods and landslides, with 24 partially damaged and eight destroyed. Eleven landslides occurred — nine in Agusan del Sur and two in Surigao del Sur.
Flooding was recorded in 68 villages — 31 in Agusan del Sur, 32 in Surigao del Sur, four in Butuan City and one in Surigao del Norte.
As of the 11 a.m. weather bulletin, light to moderate to occasionally heavy rains are being experienced in Surigao del Norte.
Light to moderate rains are expected within two to three hours over Agusan del Norte (Hinatuan, CityOfBislig, Tagbina, Cortes, Lanuza, Madrid, Cantilan, Carmen, Carrascal) and Dinagat Islands. (PNA)
