Rescue Team from the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidents (READi) responds to the distress call from Ligawasan, Special Geographic Area on July 14 as flooding continues. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro READi)
COTABATO CITY— The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is now on red alert following a massive flooding that affects thousands of residents.
From blue to red, Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) chaired by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim raised the alert due to the rapid escalation of emergency situation brought which aggravates the effects of the Southwest Monsoon.
“Now that we are on red alert, it is expected that our response will be intensified in coordination with various government agencies including the local government,” said Leobelo Joefel Delicana of Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Response (READi) during a press conference today, July 14, 2024, emphasizing red alert being the highest form of emergency response
It can be recalled that on July 9, heavy rains brought by Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) caused flashfloods in Malabang and Balabagan towns in Lanao del Sur and Matanog in Maguindanao del Norte.
This situation prompted the regional government to send quick response team for search and rescue operation, relief operation, and other assistance deemed vital.
Few days after these incidents, flooding were also reported in several municipalities in the Special Geographic Area(SGA), Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan.
READi explained that both Maguindanao del Sur and SGA are located within the Ligawasan Delta which served as catch basin in Central Mindanao.
“When heavy rain or flooding occurs in nearby provinces like Bukidon, SGA and Maguindanao del Sur are also affected,” Delicana also explained.
As of this writing, affected barangays had already reached 343, affecting 94,395 families. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
