Woman missing as floods sweep Cotabato town

KORONADAL CITY — Rescue teams are searching for a woman who was reportedly swept away by floodwaters in Arakan, Cotabato during the heavy rains Friday evening, Oct. 9.

The downpours caused severe flooding, landslides and damage to roads and other infrastructure.

The Arakan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) confirmed on Saturday, Oct. 10, that search and rescue operations were ongoing.

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At the same time, authorities were still verifying the woman’s identity and exact place of residence.

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In Barangay Allab, floodwaters reportedly washed away a house in Sitio Mamag, while strong currents eroded the soil surrounding a box culvert, damaging a portion of the road.

The damage prompted authorities to temporarily close the Allab–Dallag road, which connects the two barangays.

Motorists were advised to use the Greenfield–Binoongan road as an alternative route until the damaged section is safe to pass.

In Barangay Tumanding, floodwaters also swept away a motorcycle, but its driver managed to escape unharmed. The motorcycle was recovered Saturday morning.

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Disaster officials also monitored rising water levels at the Tinanan Bridge in Barangay Doroluman.

A fallen cable line near the bridge in this area was removed to prevent accidents and obstruction to passing vehicles.

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In Barangay Salasang, a minor landslide was reported along an uphill section of a road.

The route remained passable, but motorists were warned to exercise caution due to the possibility of further landslides.

Meanwhile, barangay officials, members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team and volunteers conducted clearing operations at a bridge in Sitio Valencia, Barangay Sto. Niño, following the flooding.

According to the MDRRMO, heavy rains began hitting the municipality at around 6 p.m. Friday.

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration  attributed the rains to the intertropical convergence zone, which has been affecting parts of Mindanao. /apl