Residents inhabiting river banks and other low lying areas in Davao City were evacuated by the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) Saturday night as floodwaters reached critical levels brought about by heavy rains.
The evacuees however, were allowed to go back home after the CDRRMO declared that the floods have eased and it was safe for them to leave the evacuation sites.
The CDRRMO announced early Sunday morning that Matina River has reached critical levels, causing flooding in the communities of Talomo and Lasang, thereby making mandatory evacuation of the residents a necessity.
“We thanked the Dabawenyos for their cooperation and immediate compliance with pre-emptive evacuation orders and safety protocols during the flooding incident which affected some parts of Davao City Saturday evening,” CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran said in a social media post.
“Your compliance with the law is a significant factor in ensuring everyone’s safety during flooding incidents,” Baloran added.
The CDRRMO recommended a pre-emptive evacuation on all residents living close to Matina River banks, including the neighborhoods of Talomo and Lasang after the water levels reached code red (critical), while Lipadas and Davao Rivers remained at green code or safe level.
However Bunawan and Licanan Rivers also swelled their banks early Sunday morning.
The Balusong Bridge and Relief Bridge going to Bangkal from Matina Aplaya were temporarily closed due to the flooding. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes like Coastal Road and Diversion Road.
However the two bridges were reopened to traffic at midnight as the flood subsided.
Hot meals were served to the residents who were brought to evacuation centers in Matina Crossing, Aplaya and Pangit during the pre-emptive evacuation.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte thanked the CDRRMO and other agencies for closely monitoring the floodings and for taking prompt actions when the situation became critical.