COTABATO PROVINCE, Philippines — A woman who was reported missing after being swept away by a flash flood in Arakan, Cotabato, was found dead the following morning, October 10, after an extensive search, rescue and retrieval operation involving local disaster responders, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and volunteer rescuers.
The victim was identified as Jocel Lampria, a resident of Barangay Meocan, Arakan, Cotabato Province. Authorities reportedly identified her through a tattoo on her left arm.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Arakan, Lampria was swept away by strong floodwaters in Sitio Amag, Barangay Allab, on the night of October 9, following heavy rainfall that triggered flash flooding in several parts of the municipality.
Her body was recovered at approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 10 along the Kulaman River in the vicinity of Barangay Lama-Lama, President Roxas, Cotabato Province. Initial reports said a resident discovered her near a farm in the area.
The Arakan Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) team, together with the MDRRMO, BFP personnel and volunteer responders, subsequently conducted retrieval operations. Her remains were later brought to a funeral home.
The local government of Arakan expressed its condolences to the victim’s family as they mourn their loss.
Flash Floods Cause Widespread Damage
The fatal incident was among several reported emergencies in Arakan following intense rainfall associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brought dangerous flooding and unstable ground conditions to parts of the municipality.
Initial situational reports from the MDRRMO recorded significant damage in Barangay Allab, where a house and a box culvert were reportedly swept away by powerful floodwaters. Several houses sustained damage, while some livestock were also carried away by the current.
In Barangay Tumanding, a motorcycle was reportedly swept away by floodwaters. Its driver, however, was reported safe. Search activities related to the incident were temporarily suspended because of adverse weather and hazardous conditions.
Authorities also monitored rising water levels at Tinanan Bridge in Barangay Doroluman, while a minor landslide was reported along Pormon Road in Barangay Salasang.
Meanwhile, members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), ABANTEROS personnel and barangay officials conducted clearing operations at a bridge in Sitio Valencia, Sto. Niño, following the flash flood.
The local government continued assessing the extent of the damage caused by the flooding to determine the affected areas and the necessary response measures.
Allab-Dallag Road Closed After Landslide
The impact of the heavy rainfall also forced the temporary closure of the Allab-Dallag Road after another landslide occurred near a box culvert, further compromising the safety of the route connecting Barangays Allab and Dallag.
The MDRRMO advised motorists and other travelers to avoid the affected road until authorities determine that it is safe for passage.
As an alternative, the public was advised to use the Greenfield-Binoongan Road while clearing, assessment and safety measures continue.
Authorities also warned the public against attempting to cross flooded or landslide-affected sections of roads, particularly where strong currents, unstable ground or damaged infrastructure could pose serious risks.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories and prioritize personal safety as the local government continues to assess the aftermath of the flooding.
The death of Lampria underscores the dangers posed by sudden flooding, particularly in communities near rivers and other waterways during periods of intense rainfall. Local authorities continue to urge residents to exercise caution and avoid hazardous areas whenever water levels rise rapidly.