Over 10K families affected by flashfloods in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines - More than 10,000 families have been affected by recent flash floods that hit 12 towns of Maguindanao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.

In a report, the NDRRMC said the number of families affected by the floods has risen to 10,437 as of Wednesday.

Of the affected families, 2,000 were from Mamasapano, 755 were from Rajah Buayan, 300 were from Datu Salibo, 3,000 were from Kabuntalan, 1,514 were from Sultan sa Barongis, 773 were from Datu Abdullah Sangki, and 2,095 were from Northern Kabuntalan.

"No casualties and evacuation were reported," NDRRMC said.

The floods caused by heavy rains hit the municipalities of Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona, Rajah Buayan, Datu Salibo, Datu Piang, Kabuntalan, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Northern Kabuntalan, Ampatuan, Pagalungan and Datu Montawal.

NDRMC said the floods, which swelled  June 13, also resulted in the accumulation of water hyacinth in Tamontaka River and Rio Grande de Mindanao.

Disaster field units are still conducing assessments in other municipalities.

Barangay-based disaster management units have distributed food packs to the affected residents. –  with reports from Anna Bajo and V. Amoroso