ALMOST 5,000 persons were affected by floods in some parts of Southern Mindanao because of heavy rains caused by the low-pressure area.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Friday that among the areas
greatly affected by the low-pressure area are the provinces of Davao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and General Santos) and Caraga.

In Caraga, local authorities are closely monitoring the status of the water level in all waterways and tributaries that might cause or trigger flashfloods in their areas of responsibility.

The council also said that 117 families composed of 585 persons sought relief in six evacuation centers.

The municipality of Norala in South Cotabato was also placed under state of calamity because of floods.

Three roads and a bridge remained impassable in Surigao del Sur province because of floods, including Pagmam-an Bridge and the national highways in the villages of San Vicente and Dughan to Poblacion.

In Agusan del Sur province, the roads in the villages of Segovia and Lapura in Talacogon and Poblacion to Nueva Trabajo road in San Luis were also remained impassable because of floodings.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Caraga has already conducted clearing operations in national highway of Brgy. Nurcia, Lanuza and Surigao del Sur because of landslides.

“The DPWH also conducted repair of the detour of Pagmam-an bridge in Brgy. San jose, Surigao del Sur damaged by continuous rains to accommodate light vehicles,” the agency added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, or Pagasa said on Friday that the low pressure is moving upward and may bring rains to eastern Visayas, Bicol Region and central Luzon, but has a little chance of becoming a cyclone at this time.

With A report from  Fatima Cielo B. Cancel