Heavy rains cause flash floods in 4 Maguindanao towns

FLOOD. Residents brave the flooding caused by heavy rains in Datu Paglas town Maguindanao. Image courtesy of the Office of Civil Defense - ARMM.

MANILA, Philippines - Four towns in the province of Maguindanao in the southern Philippines were inundated by heavy rains, early morning of Wednesday, June 24, causing flash floods that displaced hundreds of civilians.

Flooding in the town of Datu Paglas resulted in the rising of water in the tributaries Aliph, Damawato, and Bunawan rivers. Barangays Palao sa Buto, Sepaka, Bulod, and Malala were affected.

DAMAWATO RIVER. Rising water from this river affected at least 4 barangays in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao. Image courtesy of the Office of Civil Defense - ARMM.

According to the Office of Civil Defense - ARMM, at least 71 families were displaced in Sultan Sa Barongis town and are currently at the municipal gymnasium. Around 500 families were also affected in the town of Datu Salibo.

Barangays Zapakan and Mileb in the municipality of Rajah Buayan were also flooded.

Maguindanao is one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines. The local and regional disaster management councils are monitoring the situation in the affected communities. - With reports from Lou Gepuela/ Rappler.com

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