TARRAGONA, DAVAO ORIENTAL — Prolonged and intense rainfall from July 2 to 7, 2025, has triggered severe soil saturation, resulting in ground instability and land displacement in the Municipality of Tarragona. The most affected areas are Barangays Cabagayan and Tomoaong, where confirmed surface ruptures have put lives and homes at risk.
In Barangay Cabagayan’s Purok Al-Rakhma, a joint site inspection conducted on July 7 by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), led by Chairperson Hon. Art Benjie C. Bulaong, alongside the Municipal Engineering Office and local disaster units, declared the area unsafe for habitation. Eleven families were evacuated to a designated evacuation center.
In Barangay Tomoaong, signs of land movement were first reported as early as June 16 by Barangay Captain Hon. Ricky Magdipig. Residents were promptly advised to evacuate, and temporary shelters—20 tents—were deployed in anticipation of worsening conditions.
The situation escalated further on July 6 when renewed land displacement was observed following continued rains. By July 7, the MDRRMO officially deemed the area uninhabitable, prompting the relocation of six more families to temporary housing near the barangay hall.
A joint geohazard assessment by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI (MGB XI), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), and the MDRRMO confirmed active ground movement and classified both barangays as high-risk zones for landslides and ground subsidence.
Authorities have since placed both Cabagayan and Tomoaong under heightened monitoring. With more rain forecasted, local and provincial officials emphasized the urgent need for relocation plans and sustained support for displaced families.
Under the leadership of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental continues to implement precautionary measures aligned with national disaster response protocols. Governor Dayanghirang has also mobilized immediate relief operations, ensuring affected residents receive food, water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter.
The local government urges residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with safety directives as efforts continue to mitigate further risk.