Southern Mindanao flood damage: P330 M

DAVAO CITY — The flash floods that struck 18 towns in Southern Mindanao (Region 11) have wreaked damage estimated at over P330 million, largely due to the collapse of several bridges in different parts of the region.

The flash floods, which killed eight people with 18 others still reported missing, were triggered by torrential rains since Jan. 1. More than 120,000 people were affected.

Public works officials placed the damage to roads and bridges at about P116.40 million. Agriculturists, meanwhile, said damage to fisheries, crops and livestock amounted to P98 million.

Damage to personal property was estimated at over P100 million.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has sought funding from Malacañang for the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas.

Region 11 civil defense director Carmelito Lupo said at least five of the bridges that collapsed were in Davao City, while one each was destroyed in Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte.

This city’s Diversion Road has been cut off with the collapse of the Ma-a bridge and two other bridges in Barangays Suwawan and Tamugan in the Calinan and Marilog districts, respectively.

Emergency repair had to be done on the Generoso bridge along MacArthur Highway here after rampaging waters damaged a portion of it Friday afternoon.

This city was among the hardest-hit as the Davao River overflowed, inundating low-lying areas along its banks.

Lupo said substantial damage to agricultural crops was reported in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Damage to personal property was initially placed at about P40 million.