Thousands evacuate Mindanao as Typhoon Odette makes landfall

Thousands fled to evacuation centers across Mindanao as Typhoon Odette (Rai) made landfall in the Caraga region.

In Cagayan de Oro, 9,270 people sought shelter in evacuation centers as the Cagayan River swelled to a critical point.

Mayor Oscar Moreno ordered forced evacuations due to the threat of more floods and rising water levels.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRM) Council stated that the evacuations were necessary due to serious flooding.

As of late afternoon, social workers reported 1,854 families in the city's evacuation centers, a significant increase from earlier figures.

Many roads became impassable due to flooding by midday, disrupting transportation.

A landslide in Macapaya, Barangay Indahag, also disrupted vehicular traffic between Cagayan de Oro and Libona town in Bukidnon.