Gov’t helping flood victims in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The government is providing assistance to flood victims in Maguindanao province, Malacañang assured the public yesterday.

At least 13,000 families were affected by flooding spawned by persistent rains that began on Friday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB the national government is working with the local governments as well as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to assist the victims.

She said evacuation centers have been put up and relief goods were given to the victims.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the flooding was aggravated by the accumulation of water hyacinth in the Tamontaka River and Rio Grande de Mindanao.

The NDRRMC said the following 13 towns were affected: Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Montawal, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Mother Kabuntalan, Mamasapano, Pagalungan, Northern Kabuntalan, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Saydona, Sultan Sa Barongis.

About 200 hectares of rice and corn fields with an estimated value of P805,000 were also damaged, but all bridges and roads were passable, reports said. No casualties were reported.

A motorized banca also capsized in Sitio Lantang, Barangay Matuber in Datu Blah Sinsuat because of the flood.