Severe Tropical Storm Kristine causes widespread flooding in Maguindanao del Sur, Samar

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has caused widespread flooding in Maguindanao del Sur and parts of Samar.

In Maguindanao del Sur, up to 59 barangays in eight towns were affected, forcing more than 200 families to evacuate their homes.

Floodwaters in Talayan town reached waist-deep, and rescue operations were conducted in Labu-Labu 2, Datu Hoffer after several families were trapped.

Several houses and schools in Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano were submerged, and farmlands were also affected.

Residents in Mapanas, Northern Samar endured chest-high floods that severely damaged Magtaon Elementary School.

Classes in all public and private schools throughout Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat have been suspended.

Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Samar are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

No casualties have been reported in Maguindanao del Sur, and affected families are staying in evacuation centers.