Clearing operations launched in Caraga towns after floods, landslide

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Government agencies in parts of Caraga on Saturday launched clearing and monitoring operations following days of moderate to heavy rains brought by a shear line weather system that triggered flooding and a landslide in the region.

In Tagum City, authorities began clearing debris trapped beneath the Pagsabangan Bridge in Barangay Pagsabangan after floodwaters carried drift materials downstream earlier this week.

The debris, mostly banana trunks and fallen trees swept away by swollen rivers, accumulated under the bridge and raised concerns about possible obstruction to water flow.

The city government expressed gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which led the clearing operation, assisted by the Provincial Engineer’s Office and the City Engineer’s Office. Officials urged residents to immediately report emergencies, especially flood-related incidents, to local hotlines.

Meanwhile, in the Agusan del Sur town of Veruela, local disaster officials conducted drone survey and reconnaissance operations in several villages as river levels remained elevated.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Agusan River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, water level in the Agusan River reached 26.82 meters above mean sea level, or an estimated 5.23 meters above normal level, as of 2 p.m. on Feb. 20.

Aerial images taken by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) showed Barangay San Gabriel still submerged, along with portions of Barangays Poblacion and Binongan.

Authorities said the river remains under Alarm Level Orange, although water levels have begun to recede slowly. Disaster officials cautioned residents against complacency, noting that upstream river systems are only gradually subsiding.

All 20 barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils in Veruela were directed to maintain close monitoring of their respective areas of responsibility, while the MDRRMO continues to track weather developments and advised residents to charge mobile phones and keep emergency hotline numbers accessible for medical and search-and-rescue situations.

In Surigao del Sur, a landslide struck Km 5 in Barangay San Jose, Bislig City, amid persistent rains affecting much of Caraga.

The Department of Public Works and Highways – Caraga said only one lane remains passable to all types of vehicles as clearing and monitoring operations continue in the affected area.

Authorities reminded motorists to exercise caution and follow official advisories as unstable weather conditions persist across Mindanao.

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