1 dead in Maguindanao floods

MANILA, Philippines - At least one person has died due to floods that hit parts of Maguindanao last month, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In a report released late Monday, the NDRRMC identified the fatality as Randy Ferenal, 28, who was previously reported missing.

Ferenal, whose body was retrieved last Monday, was believed to have drowned while crossing Lipanan River in Barira town last July 3.

The NDRRMC said Maguindanao has been experiencing favorable weather since July 5.

Citing field reports, NDRRMC said floodwater levels in all affected areas have been gradually subsiding.

"However, flooding is still evident in the marshlands of Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Northern Kabuntalan and Mother Kabuntalan.

Other towns affected by the flood were Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Montawal, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, Pagalungan, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Saydona, Sultan Sa Barongis, Sultan Kudarat, General Salipada K. Pendatum, Talitay, Buldon and Barira.

The flood has affected a total of 19,837 families or 99,185 persons from 133 barangays.

Despite the prolonged rains experienced by the affected towns, no evacuation operations were conducted.

The NDRRMC said the floods have also affected almost 5,000 farmers and damaged 7,382 hectares of agricultural products. The floods also resulted in agriculture production loss worth P35.6-million.