Magpet, Cotabato (October 20, 2024) – Heavy flooding in Barangay Bantac, Magpet, North Cotabato, displaced nearly 50 homes and caused significant damage to property on Sunday evening. The flooding, triggered by continuous rainfall, forced the evacuation of 60 families as waters from the Kabacan River surged over its banks.
According to local residents, rain began pouring around 3:00 PM, and after four hours of continuous downpour, the riverbanks gave way, causing widespread flooding. The water levels rose rapidly, sweeping away several houses, livestock, and other belongings.
Engineer Donald Homez, head of the Magpet Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), said the situation worsened when the dike of the Kabacan River collapsed, allowing floodwaters to inundate the area. Emergency evacuations were immediately carried out, moving affected families to safer grounds.
By 11:00 PM, the floodwaters began to recede. The local government reported that around 30 houses were severely damaged, with 10 to 15 homes either completely destroyed or swept away by the rushing waters. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among the residents.
Authorities are conducting damage assessments to determine the full extent of the impact and to provide further assistance to the affected families. Immediate relief efforts are being coordinated, but many of the displaced residents are in urgent need of food, clothing, and shelter.
Call for Donations
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, officials and local organizations are urgently appealing for donations to support the families affected by the flood. Many residents have lost their homes and possessions and are in dire need of assistance. Contributions in the form of food, clothing, and other basic necessities are vital to help them recover from this calamity.
Your generosity can bring hope and relief to those who have lost so much. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference.
