COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 8 Sept) – At least 15 barangays in Cotabato City are now submerged in flood waters after major tributaries surrounding the area increased the water level due to continuous rains in the past days.
Abdillah Lim, president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), confirmed that many low lying barangays have been flooded, and relayed that some of the villages in Tamontaka 1 and 2, Mother Poblacion and Rosary Heights 6 are badly hit by the flood.
“The water level has ascended four to five inches due to the high tide based on our monitoring this morning,” Lim said.
College student Ruby Tan from Bagua 3 had to wear short pants first while going out from her village. Only then will she wear her school uniform when already out of the flood to avoid soaking them in dirty water.
“Another extra challenge today, but it’s okay. Not really a big deal to hinder my pursuit to finish my studies,” she said.
At least 26 families have sought relief at the basketball court and social hall of Rosary Heights 6, according to Ofelia Ebrahim, City Social Welfare and Development Officer.
“We are still validating the exact number of affected families. Our priority now are those who are displaced and stayed in evacuation centers and will follow on the home-based evacuees,” Ebrahim said, adding that a disaster team meeting has been scheduled to look after the flood situation.
The City Disaster Office is also monitoring the incoming bulk of water hyacinths passing through Tamontaka River and Rio Grande de Mindanao before going out to Illana Bay for any possible clogging that may worsen the present flood situation.
Cotabato City is a catch basin of waters from Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Liguwasan Marsh areas.
