200 families evacuate as flash flood hits Digos City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least 200 families left their homes after waist-deep floodwater inundated several villages in Digos City after a sudden heavy downpour on Thursday evening, November 14.

Melody Malnegro, media liaison of Digos City, said the rain started to pour heavily at around 6 pm.

Affected areas include the villages of Aplaya, Cogon and Ruparan.

Malnegro said the evacuees are from the village of Aplaya while many families are still waiting for rescuers in Cogon.

A bridge connecting Davao City and General Santos City was damaged and is not passable while a metal hanging bridge was damaged by a log in Barangay Ruparan.

The local government is conducting rescue operations to secure all affected residents.

There are no reports of casualties as of posting.

"We are still assessing the extent of the damage but our priority right now is the security of the residents," Malnegro said.

Displaced residents are taking temporary shelter at the city's gymnasium. – Rappler.com