GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/06 May) – Disaster officials in Sarangani province have recommended the immediate relocation of residents living near a major river in the coastal municipality of Glan following the flashfloods earlier this week that displaced more than 500 families in the area.
Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. said Friday the results of assessments made by the Sarangani and Glan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils showed that portions of the communities located near the critical Glan River were considered as “high risk areas” due to their vulnerability to severe flooding.
“(The disaster councils) cited the need to relocate all those situated at the riverbanks to avert possible tragedies in case another major flashflood occurs in the area,” the mayor said.
Several communities in Barangays Poblacion, Ilaya and Tapon in Glan were submerged in floodwaters late Tuesday night after a portion of the Glan River overflowed and triggered flashfloods in the area.
The floods, which also affected three other neighboring villages, occurred after almost two days of continuous, heavy rains mainly in the upper portions of the municipality.
No casualties were reported as a result of the floods but the local government noted that at least 575 families were displaced and temporary evacuated to the municipal gymnasium.
Power supply was cut off in the area at the height of the floods last Wednesday but was immediately restored the following day.
