Continuous rains brought by Super Typhoon Uwan have submerged several areas in Butuan City, displacing hundreds of families and prompting preemptive evacuations and class suspensions.
Mayor Lawrence Fortun visited Barangays Los Angeles and Sto. Niño on Sunday to assess the situation of families now staying in evacuation centers. He met with leaders of the two villages to discuss persistent flooding problems and pledged immediate government action.
Local government data showed 455 families, or 1,337 individuals, were affected in Barangay Los Angeles, while 208 families, or 3,116 individuals, were displaced in Barangay Sto. Niño. Twenty schools have been converted into temporary shelters, forcing the suspension of face-to-face classes on Monday, November 10.
The City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) reported that 2,435 families have received relief goods as of Friday evening. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga and the Philippine Army joined the city’s response teams in the distribution of food packs.
Fortun said the flooding issue will be brought to a coordination meeting with the City Engineering Office, DPWH-Butuan City District Engineering Office, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Department to craft long-term flood control solutions.
Despite heavy rains, the city’s volunteer network has sustained round-the-clock operations, packing and delivering relief goods. ‘The strong sense of volunteerism among Butuanons continues to inspire our ongoing disaster response,’ the mayor said.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) maintained full alert status and activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for real-time monitoring and coordination with barangay officials. Rescue vehicles and equipment have been pre-positioned for immediate response.
The CDRRMD advised residents to stay alert, avoid flooded roads, and report emergencies through its hotline numbers.
Floodwaters have receded in parts of Barangay Los Angeles, Ampayon Weigh Bridge, and Mahay, where roads are now passable to all types of vehicles. Continuous monitoring remains in low-lying areas as intermittent rains persist.
Residents were urged to stay updated through advisories from PAGASA Butuan and the Butuan City Public Information Office