MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur — A 23-year-old woman who went missing after being swept away by strong floodwaters while crossing a swollen creek in Barangay Malungon, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, was found dead on November 2, ending a search and rescue operation that began following the October 31 incident.
The victim was identified as Angel Ubas Malang, who was reportedly crossing the creek with her young niece when they were caught in the powerful current of the flooded waterway.
According to information provided by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), authorities received a report from the Barangay Malungon chairperson at around 5 p.m. on October 31 regarding a woman who had been swept away by the overflowing creek.
Based on the account of the victim’s sister, Rena Joy Malang, Angel and her niece were attempting to cross the creek when the strong current caused the 23-year-old woman to lose her footing and slide into the rushing water.
The two were initially holding on to each other, but Angel eventually let go, reportedly to prevent her niece from being dragged into the current as well. She was then carried away by the rapidly moving floodwaters.
Following the incident, local authorities and rescue personnel immediately launched search and rescue operations in an effort to locate the missing woman. The family also appealed to residents of nearby communities, particularly those along the creek and downstream areas, to report any information that could help determine her whereabouts.
The search continued until November 2, when responders finally located Angel’s body. She was found lifeless, bringing a tragic end to the family’s anxious wait for news of her whereabouts.
The incident highlights the serious dangers posed by swollen creeks and rapidly rising floodwaters, particularly when residents attempt to cross waterways during or immediately after heavy rainfall.
The tragedy also serves as a reminder that even seemingly familiar routes can become extremely dangerous when water levels rise and currents intensify. Residents are urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers and creeks, regardless of how shallow or familiar the waterways may appear.
For Angel’s family, what began as a desperate appeal for help in finding their missing loved one ended in grief after two days of searching.