Some 100 families in Barangay Labangal here, who are still reeling from the powerful June 8 earthquake, are now facing another hardship after flooding damaged their homes anew.
This has prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track plans for long-term flood-control measures in the area.
Mindanao quake altered rivers, ruined P2.3-B infraMany of the 92 families or 414 individuals displaced by the July 24 flooding were among the households whose homes were damaged by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck General Santos City and nearby areas in June, according to barangay officials.For many residents, the flooding came before they had fully recovered from the earthquake, forcing them to evacuate once again after floodwaters inundated low-lying communities in Purok Balunto and nearby areas.On Wednesday, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the flood-hit Makar Bridge and a nearby damaged dike in Purok Balunto, accompanied by city and barangay officials.Dizon ordered DPWH engineers to immediately evaluate long-term solutions to reduce flooding in the area, including improving drainage systems, strengthening flood-control structures, and protecting critical transport infrastructure.
GenSan imposes forced evacuation due to flash floodsHe also directed engineers to study dredging the river channel toward the sea to improve water flow during heavy rains and prevent floodwaters from spilling into nearby communities.During the inspection, Dizon noted that the bridge had slightly sunk following the recent disasters, making it vulnerable during future floods if permanent interventions are not carried out.
He also checked the emergency sandbagging works by DPWH and other volunteers after portions of the dike were damaged.The Makar Bridge and adjoining dike were among the infrastructure affected by the June 8 earthquake. Heavy rains brought by a tropical depression last week sent a surge of water from the uplands, worsening the damage and causing floodwaters to overflow into nearby neighborhoods.Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao said the city government is preparing a temporary shelter site for residents living near the damaged dike, particularly those whose homes remain at risk from future flooding.The DPWH inspection came as the national government stepped up efforts to strengthen disaster-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable communities under the administration’s flood-control program.