Hours of rain in Maasim, Sarangani triggered flash floods at 3 p.m. on and Monday and shut down portions of the national highway linking the town to General Santos City.
Arlene Hollero, Maasim Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MMDRRM) officer, said in a report that the national highway remained closed to traffic as of 7 p.m.
Heavy downpour triggered by the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) was experienced in the mountains of Maasim while light rains affected the town center.
The Tinago creek overflowed at 3:11 p.m., forcing nearby residents to evacuate as the flash floods carried with it boulders and forest debris as it inundated the national highway.
The local government unit of Maasim is calling on all residents, especially those living near rivers, creeks and in low-lying areas to conduct pre-emptive evacuation as heavy rains continued to affect the municipality.
As of 7 p.m., the national highway in Barangay Poblacion (Tinago Creek area) remained impassable due to flooding and debris.
Affected families are now staying at the municipal gymnasium.
The local government, in its social media page, reminded locals to stay alert, monitor official advisories and prioritize safety at all times.
No one was reported injured due to the flash floods, a staff at the MDRRMO said.