FLASH UPDATE #1 – Floods and Landslides in Mindanao (Effects of Southwest Monsoon, ITCZ, & INVEST 98W)
Country under monitoring: Philippines
OVERVIEW: From 18 June to 2 July 2024, the Southwest Monsoon, Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and Low-Pressure Area (INVEST 98W) brought continuous heavy rains that caused flooding in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula. The heavy rainfall also caused flashfloods, tension cracks, and rain-induced landslides in the province of Sultan Kudarat.
IMPACTS: Based on the combined reports from NDRRMC issued from 1 to 4 July 2024 for the effects of ITCZ, easterlies, and low-pressure area in BARMM, Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Sultan Kudarat the following impacts have been recorded:
- Combined total of 56.4K families (about 226.7K individuals) were affected
- About 207.7K individuals were displaced, of which about 1.5K persons were served in 6 evacuation centres
- 1 missing person in Davao del Sur (for validation
- 40 damaged houses, of which, 1 was totally damaged
- 320 hectares of crops were flooded, with partial chance of recovery
WEATHER AND FLOOD FORECAST:
- According to PAGASA’s forecast as of 5 July 0400 HRS UTC+7, the ITCZ continues to affect Zamboanga Peninsula and the rest of Mindanao. The ITCZ is expected to bring rainshowers and thunderstorms that may cause flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms.
- As of 0500 HRS, UTC+7 today, PAGASA flood advisories are still raised in BARMM, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao and CARAGA
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:
- Concerned OCD Regional Offices and Provincial DRRMOs are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with municipal DRRM Offices in the affected areas.
- Municipal and barangay DRRMOs have conducted rapid damage assessment and needs analysis.
- Relevant authorities have distributed assistance to affected communities and displaced families.
- Local authorities are monitoring water levels and preparing potential evacuation centres in case the water level continues to increase.
- PAGASA continues to monitor the weather situation and release regular updates and advisories.
- PAGASA advises people living near mountain slopes, river systems, and in low-lying areas and Local Disaster Management Councils are advised to take necessary precautionary measures
The AHA Centre will continue to monitor for further developments and issue necessary updates.
DATA SOURCES
ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS), ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet); Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global); ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC);
Philippines: NDRRMC, PAGASA;
Verified news media agencies;