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People living along Panlibatuhan Creek in Valencia City in Bukidnon were caught flat-footed when the creek swelled on August 4, 2015 and flooded their homes, the water reaching as high as six feet inside some of the houses. Some residents said it was so far the worst flood they have experienced in the area. A woman said that in the past the water would only be a few inches above the floor.
The flood displaced 793 individuals, damaged some houses and swept away the household belongings of many residents. Seven people were confirmed dead and two remained missing as of August 6, 2015.
Incidents like this could have been avoided if there is enough political will to prevent people from living near riverbanks and other danger zones. It seems the lesson of Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities has not been learned.