BUKIDNON, Philippines — Two people have been confirmed dead after severe flooding triggered by days of relentless rains, intensified by the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Inday, swept across several parts of Bukidnon, leaving communities inundated, destroying homes, and forcing local governments to suspend classes.
The fatalities underscore the growing humanitarian impact of the widespread flooding that has battered the province since earlier this week.
One of the victims was identified as “Narding,” 48, a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Managok, Malaybalay City. According to reports, he attempted to cross rapidly rising floodwaters to rescue his livestock when he was overpowered by the strong current and swept away. Rescue efforts later recovered his body.
The second fatality was identified as Geronimo “Oning” Sabihon, a senior citizen from Barangay Kipaypayon, Quezon, Bukidnon.
Swept Away by Flash Flood
According to the Quezon Municipal Police Station, Sabihon was carried away by raging floodwaters on the evening of July 8, after continuous heavy rains caused rivers and creeks to overflow and triggered flooding in several areas of the municipality.
Authorities said the victim’s makeshift hut in a farm area was also destroyed after being battered by the powerful floodwaters. Family members and residents reported that the floodwaters were so strong that they completely washed away his shelter before carrying him downstream.
His body was eventually discovered at around 1:00 p.m. on July 9 along a creek in Purok 4, Barangay Mahayag, several kilometers from where he was reportedly swept away.
Relatives expressed both grief and gratitude after the recovery.
Although devastated by the tragic loss, the family thanked volunteers, rescuers, and community members who tirelessly searched for the missing victim until his body was found.
Communities Under Water
The fatalities came as torrential rains continued to inundate large portions of Bukidnon, causing rivers to swell, roads to become impassable, and floodwaters to engulf residential and agricultural communities.
The severe weather has been attributed to the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), whose effects have been significantly enhanced by Typhoon Inday, bringing prolonged and intense rainfall across Mindanao.
Local disaster authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas amid fears that additional rainfall could trigger further flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous communities.
Classes Suspended
In response to the dangerous weather conditions, several local government units ordered the suspension of classes on July 10 to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.
Among the areas that suspended classes were:
- Cabanglasan
- Kitaotao
- Maramag
- Lantapan
- Don Carlos
- Valencia City
Meanwhile, the City Government of Malaybalay advised the Department of Education (DepEd) regarding the implementation of class suspensions in schools under its jurisdiction as weather conditions continued to deteriorate.
Authorities Urge Public to Avoid Floodwaters
Authorities continue to remind residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers, flooded roads, and fast-moving streams, emphasizing that even shallow floodwaters can become deadly due to strong undercurrents.
Residents living near rivers, creeks, and landslide-prone areas have likewise been urged to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and evacuate immediately if instructed by local authorities.
The deaths of Narding and Geronimo Sabihon serve as another grim reminder of the deadly consequences of extreme weather, as Bukidnon joins other provinces across Mindanao grappling with widespread flooding, landslides, and severe disruptions brought about by the intensified Southwest Monsoon. Rescue, relief, and assessment operations remain ongoing as local governments work to assist affected families and prevent further loss of life.