ITCZ triggers rains, floods in low-lying areas in Norcot

COTABATO City– The torrential rains that hit North Cotabato spawned by inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao have submerged low-lying villages in the town of Tulunan and M’lang, disaster officials said Friday.

A heavy downpour occurred the other day in North Cotabato, a day after three hours of continuous rain hit the province, causing flash floods.

The town risk reduction and management councils of adjoining towns of Tulunan and M’lang are closely watching rivers and waterways emanating from the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

Jerick Ardina, Tulunan disaster action officer, said three villages and 10 sub-villages were inundated due to heavy downpour Thursday night.

The affected villages were La Esperaza, Sibsib, and Poblacion Tulunan.

Education officials on Thursday afternoon cancelled classes, both in public and private schools as water level in low lying areas reached as high as waist deep.

At least a dozen families have evacuated to safer grounds but returned home as soon as the water level receded.

Agriculture officials are still assessing the floods’ cost of damage to agricultural products and infrastructure.

Ardina blamed the continuous and unabated cutting of trees in the mountains of Tulunan and in the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur for the flood.

Garbage clogged waterways, causing the flash floods to take its course and submerge communities, he said.

Constantino Diason, M’lang disaster officer, said the failure of National Irrigation Administration personnel to open a main irrigation canal triggered the overflowing of water toward residential areas and rice fields.

Both disaster officials called on the people, especially those living near waterways, rivers and creeks to be watchful of water level to avoid getting trapped in a flash flood. (pna)