DAVAO CITY — Torrential rains triggered by the Easterlies and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) submerged several areas in Davao City Monday night, May 18, leaving one person dead, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of families, causing infrastructure damage, and prompting the suspension of classes and government work on Tuesday, May 19.
The lone fatality was identified as Aaron James Pangaldine, 21, a pump boy and native of Manay, Davao Oriental, who was temporarily residing in a rented house in New San Isidro, Barangay Buhangin.
Based on the investigation of the Buhangin Police Station 5, authorities received a report from Central 911 shortly after 2:00 a.m. regarding a body discovered amid floodwaters in San Isidro, Buhangin.
Police personnel, barangay responders, and rescue teams conducting flood monitoring and rescue operations in the area found Pangaldine floating in front of his rented residence. He was immediately rescued and rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center but was declared dead at around 3:15 a.m.
According to attending physicians, the victim suffered cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to fatal cardiac dysrhythmia caused by electrocution, associated with acute respiratory failure due to drowning and aspiration from floodwater submersion.
In an interview with local media, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office revealed that Pangaldine reportedly attempted to unplug or switch off an electric appliance, locally referred to as a “plangka,” inside the flooded house before he was electrocuted during the height of the flooding.
Authorities said the victim’s remains remain at the SPMC morgue for further examination.
The severe weather condition also wreaked havoc across multiple parts of the city as floodwaters rapidly rose in low-lying communities.
In Barangay Matina Pangi, more than 200 families were evacuated after the Matina Pangi River reached critical level and overflowed following hours of intense rainfall. While some residents returned home after floodwaters subsided, others opted to remain at evacuation areas, the barangay hall, or with relatives.
Several roads became impassable due to flooding, including portions of Dumanlas Road in Buhangin where at least one vehicle became stranded in rising waters. In the El Rio area, numerous vehicles were also reported stalled amid deep flooding.
Floodwaters likewise entered the St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish in Buhangin, highlighting the extent of inundation experienced in the northern part of the city.
Meanwhile, a bridge connecting Callawa and Mandug reportedly collapsed due to the strong floodwaters brought by the heavy rains. Authorities are still conducting assessment operations to determine the full extent of the damage and whether the structure remains passable.
Amid the worsening weather situation, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. warned residents of possible power interruptions even in areas not directly affected by flooding. The utility company explained that some power lines are interconnected with flooded zones and may need to remain temporarily shut down to prevent electrical hazards and damage to facilities.
City authorities later announced the suspension of face-to-face classes and school activities across all levels in both public and private schools on Tuesday, May 19, to give way to clearing operations and ensure public safety.
Work in national and local government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations, was likewise suspended except for agencies involved in security, health, social services, disaster response, and emergency operations. Private establishments were encouraged to suspend operations at their own discretion for employee safety.
Local disaster officials continue monitoring flood-prone communities as intermittent rains persist in parts of Davao City. Residents living near rivers and low-lying areas were advised to remain vigilant and immediately coordinate with authorities in case of emergency evacuations.