By Gerry Lee Gorit
MARAMAG, Bukidnon – Six towns grappled with severe floods and landslides spurred by intense southwest monsoon rains, according to disaster officials on July 13.
The most dire incident occurred in Maramag’s Barangay San Roque, where a mother and daughter were swept away by the strong currents of the Pulangi River while attempting to cross on July 12. Identified as Evelyn Candido, 48, and her 17-year-old daughter, they were returning home from their farm when tragedy struck.
Local authorities initiated a search and rescue operation, but as of now, the victims remain missing. The disaster has affected a total of 9,244 individuals across Bukidnon, with 1,607 seeking shelter in evacuation centers. Significant agricultural losses exceeding P16 million were reported in Kalilangan town alone.
Beyond Bukidnon, 32 individuals were affected in Lanao del Norte, while in Cagayan de Oro, 21 residents briefly evacuated but have since returned home. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, though two individuals sustained minor injuries.
The Office of Civil Defense in Northern Mindanao continues to monitor the situation, coordinating relief efforts and assessing the extent of damage across the region. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of continued habagat conditions affecting parts of Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, underscoring ongoing risks of further weather disturbances.
