COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Torrential rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), intensified by Typhoon Inday, have unleashed widespread flooding across Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, submerging entire communities, cutting off major roads, forcing thousands of families to flee their homes, and leaving more than 309,000 residents affected as authorities race to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Provincial disaster officials confirmed that floodwaters continue to rise in several municipalities as rivers overflow following days of relentless rainfall.
A 70-year-old senior citizen has also been reported missing in the municipality of Talayan, adding to growing concerns over the worsening impact of the weather disturbance.
Major Roads Rendered Impassable
One of the hardest-hit areas is Barangay Tapian, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where powerful floodwaters have temporarily shut down the main road, preventing commuters and motorists from passing through.
Residents have been advised to use the Upi–Datu Blah Sinsuat Road as an alternate route while authorities continue monitoring the flooded area.
Videos circulating on social media captured the sheer force of the floodwaters as raging currents swept away mud, massive debris, and even large concrete culverts, illustrating the destructive power of the overflowing waters.
The flooding has also extended beyond Tapian, with Barangay Andavit in Datu Salibo reportedly submerged, while several roads across flood-affected municipalities have become inaccessible to light vehicles.
Floodwaters Reach Neck-Deep in Mamasapano
In Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, the situation has become increasingly alarming after floodwaters reached neck-deep in some sections of the village.
Residents have struggled to evacuate as strong currents and rising water levels hamper rescue efforts.
Local leaders continue appealing for immediate humanitarian assistance as families remain stranded inside flooded homes while waiting for rescue teams and relief supplies.
Datu Piang Communities Underwater
Several barangays in Datu Piang, including Buayan and Magaslong, also experienced severe flooding due to continuous heavy rains.
A joint rescue operation involving the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the 38th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, barangay officials, and community volunteers successfully evacuated vulnerable residents, including children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, to designated evacuation centers.
Authorities continue monitoring water levels while warning residents to avoid flooded roads and rivers.
Talayan Residents Wade Through Chest-Deep Floods
In Barangay Tambunan, Talayan, residents were forced to wade through chest-deep floodwaters after prolonged heavy rains inundated the community.
The municipality remains under close monitoring after local officials confirmed the disappearance of a senior citizen amid the flooding.
Search operations remain ongoing.
Pagalungan Flood Control Faces Mounting Pressure
In Barangay Layog, Pagalungan, concern continues to grow over an ongoing flood control project as the Pulangi River continues to swell.
Residents fear that if water levels continue to rise, powerful currents could destroy portions of the partially completed flood control structure and erode nearby road sections.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) earlier issued a flood advisory urging residents living along the Pulangi River and in low-lying communities to prepare for possible immediate evacuation.
Interestingly, while many families struggle with the floods, some residents have been collecting logs carried downstream by the swollen Pulangi River, selling them later as firewood to earn additional income.
Massive Rescue Operations Continue
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices in both Maguindanao provinces have intensified rescue and evacuation efforts.
In Barangay Damatog, Northern Kabuntalan, rescue teams have been transporting affected families, delivering food, water, and emergency supplies while prioritizing the evacuation of children, elderly residents, pregnant women, and other vulnerable individuals.
The operations are being conducted under the direction of Governor Datu Tucao O. Mastura, with support from provincial officials, disaster response personnel, and partner agencies.
Authorities said response teams remain on standby as flooding continues.
Health Services Continue in Evacuation Centers
In Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, the Municipal Health Office has maintained uninterrupted medical services for displaced residents.
As of 8:00 a.m. Saturday, authorities recorded 461 displaced families or 1,484 individuals temporarily staying in five active evacuation centers.
Health emergency teams are providing:
- Medical consultations
- First aid
- Maternal and child healthcare
- Mental health and psychosocial support
- Disease surveillance
- Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions
Health officials have also reminded evacuees to drink safe water, observe proper hygiene, avoid floodwaters whenever possible, and immediately seek medical attention for fever, diarrhea, skin infections, or respiratory illnesses.
Matanog Residents Evacuated as Floods and Landslides Threaten Communities
In Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, the Composite Municipal Response Team successfully evacuated residents of Sitio Kalipapa in Barangay Sapad after flooding and landslides threatened the area.
The Barangay Hall quickly reached full capacity, prompting local authorities to convert Ibay National High School into an additional evacuation center.
Mayor Zohria S. Bansil and Vice Mayor Sanaira I. Ali-Imam, together with municipal officials and volunteers, distributed rice, bottled water, ready-to-eat meals, and other relief goods to displaced families while also helping clean evacuation facilities.
Meanwhile, another landslide was reported in Sitio Diample and Sitio Center near Sitio Kotawato in Barangay Minabay.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Road Clearing Operations Intensified
Police and disaster response teams have also been clearing roads blocked by landslides and flood debris.
Personnel from the Parang Municipal Police Station removed large rocks and debris obstructing roads in Barangay Macasandag, restoring safe passage for motorists.
Similar clearing operations were conducted in Buldon, where personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, barangay officials, and disaster response agencies worked together to clear mud, fallen trees, and debris from major roads while continuously inspecting bridges and other critical infrastructure.
Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant
Authorities continue to urge residents living near rivers, coastal areas, and flood-prone communities to remain vigilant as rains persist.
Thousands of displaced residents remain in evacuation centers, while many isolated communities urgently need food, potable water, medicine, and temporary shelter.
Disaster response agencies warned that additional rainfall from the enhanced Habagat could further worsen flooding in the coming days, as emergency responders continue rescue operations and damage assessments across the two Maguindanao provinces.
Local governments, emergency responders, military units, police personnel, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations remain on high alert, emphasizing that protecting lives remains the top priority as one of the region’s most widespread flooding events this year continues to unfold.