By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Heavy rains spawned by a shear line weather system triggered floods, landslides and forced evacuations in parts of Caraga region on Friday, Feb. 20, local disaster officials said.
In San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, a road slip was reported in Purok 4, Tagapua, prompting authorities to temporarily restrict heavy trucks and large vehicles to prevent further damage and possible accidents. Motorists were advised to take alternate routes.
The Trento Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Trento, Agusan del Sur raised an orange-level water alert at 8 a.m. in Purok Everlasting, Cuevas, and advised residents to evacuate as floodwaters continued to rise.
As of 11 a.m., the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Esperanza placed Esperanza town in Agusan del Sur under a yellow water-level status, urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to stay alert and monitor official updates.
State weather bureau PAGASA earlier warned that moderate to heavy rains—estimated at 50 to 100 millimeters within 24 hours—would affect the entire province of Agusan del Sur due to the shear line, or the convergence of warm and cold air masses. The advisory, issued at 5 a.m., said rains may persist from early morning until evening.
Rivers across the province breached critical levels. Monitoring by local MDRRM offices showed the Simulao River at Sta. Maria Bridge in Trento, Agusan del Sur under orange alert at 8 a.m. and at critical (red) level at Sarmiento Bridge by 9 a.m. The Kapatungan water level gauge was also at critical status.
The Solibao River in Rosario, Agusan del Sur reached critical level at 4:50 a.m., prompting residents along riverbanks and low-lying communities to prepare for possible evacuation.
In Loreto town in Agusan del Sur, flooding hit homes in Barangay Nueva Gracia, particularly in Purok 3. Residents in Libertad, Bunawan town were also evacuated as waters rose.
Landslides were reported in Purok 8, Barangay Sagunto in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, where the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) team conducted assessments and advised families to prepare for possible relocation due to unstable soil conditions.
A landslide was captured on video in Barangay Pangyan, Trento, Agusan del Sur on Thursday afternoon, February 19, following continuous heavy rainfall brought about by the shear line.
According to Barangay Chairman Joyren Duron, no injuries were reported in the incident. As a precaution, residents in the affected area were evacuated immediately to ensure their safety.
In Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, rescue operations were ongoing in Purok 7, Barangay Tabon (Maglikian–Requina area) following continuous flooding. A separate soil erosion incident reduced a portion of Km 15 in Barangay San Jose to one-lane passable, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways – Surigao del Sur 2nd District Engineering Office, which is leading clearing operations.
Irrigation monitoring also showed elevated river levels. The Gibong River Irrigation System in Prosperidad town exceeded its critical level as of 8:50 a.m., while the Baobo River Irrigation System in Veruela town remained below critical mark but under rainy conditions.
Disaster officials urged residents to remain vigilant, prepare emergency “go bags,” and heed evacuation orders as rains continue to threaten more flooding and landslides across the region.
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