Flood displaces 15K families in Caraga region

At least 15,316 families or 58,001 individuals across the Caraga region have been displaced due to severe flooding caused by a shear line affecting Mindanao.

In Veruela town, Agusan del Sur, 2,561 families or 9,686 individuals were affected, with 46 barangays in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur provinces also impacted.

Heavy rains since Monday have caused widespread flooding and landslides, prompting the local government to declare a state of calamity due to critical water levels in several villages.

Relief distribution is ongoing with support from local police and troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion, while about 1,953 families sought refuge in evacuation centers across the region.

The flooding has resulted in damage or destruction of 2,433.5 hectares of rice fields, equivalent to 36.96% of Veruela's total rice areas, with an estimated P73.516 million in damages.

Residents are urged to exercise caution and be alert for possible flash floods as the shear line continues to affect eastern Mindanao until Friday.