CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—The Regional Risk-Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC)-10 assisted some 830 families in the neighboring communities of Bugo and Puerto in Cagayan de Oro, and Barangay Casinglot, Tagoloan, that were displaced from their homes by flash flooding brought upon by heavy rains Sunday, October 16.

Earlier in the day, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of moderate to heavy rains in the area due to a localized thunderstorm formation, which prompted local government unit Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to be on high alert.

Rampaging waters were experienced in the three affected areas late afternoon with water levels breaching the national highway bridge, and ceilings of houses, with strong currents sweeping away heavy debris.

In response, RDRRMC-10 agencies and their LGU partners such as the municipal DRRMOs, Task Force Oro, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, conducted rescue operations for the affected populace while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 held relief operations by distributing much-needed food and non-food items and use of other logistical needs in the affected communities during the onslaught of the flooding.

A total of 2,968 individuals were transferred to evacuation centers in Bugo National High School, Suntingon Elementary School, Tagoloan Dome, and Puerto covered court
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One casualty, Artemio Gonzales, a resident of Zone 5 in Barangay Bugo, drowned while assisting family members to evacuate when he reportedly slipped and was swept away by the strong current.

“The Council is continuously in contact with affected LGUs for any additional augmentation needed. OCD-10 and agencies of the government such as PAGASA and MGB are continuously monitoring the effects of Localized thunderstorms in the region,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-10 and RDRRMC-10 Chairperson Antonio B. Sugarol. (VPSB/PIA10)