World | Philippines
Heavy rains trigger flashfloods in Mindanao
Flashfloods inundated northern areas of Mindanao island including the cities of Cagayan de Oro Iligan and Gingoog, reports reaching Manila said.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 20:10 January 3, 2009
Manila: Flashfloods inundated northern areas of Mindanao island including the cities of Cagayan de Oro Iligan and Gingoog, reports reaching Manila said.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, flashfloods brought about by heavy rains over the past several days isolated several areas in the southern cities.
Vice-Admiral Wifredo Tamayo, coast guard chief, said the government had taken measures to ensure the safety of the residents and had deployed rubber dinghies to rescue the marooned people.
He said heavy rains since Friday caused the Cagayan de Oro River to overflow, flooding riverside settlements and forcing residents to move to higher ground.
Safe areas
GMA News television showed Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro residents wading through neck-deep water. Tamayo said some 100 individuals had been moved to safe areas in Cagayan de Oro.
In Giongoog City, more than 1,000 families were affected by flooding.
Radio station Bombo Radyo reported that several houses in Gingoog had been washed away by the flashflood.
Though there have been no report of fatalities, the flooding caught disaster officials unawares as most of them are on holiday.
Philippine weather forecasters said the heavy rains were brought about by a cold front over the northern Mindanao.
President Gloria Arroyo is expected to visit Northern Mindanao in the coming days as she is due to hold her Cabinet meeting in Cagayan de Oro City.
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
