Massive Flooding Impacts Maguindanao del Sur Communities
As of 5 p.m. on Monday, May 19, the number of residents affected by the massive flooding in Maguindanao del Sur has risen to 192,005, according to reports from local disaster management sources. The flooding has impacted 47 barangays across several towns, including Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Piang, Datu Salibu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Mamasapano, Guindulungan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Sultan sa Barongis.
Among these, the marshy town of Mamasapano has the highest number of affected residents, with approximately 34,700 people displaced or impacted. The flooding began on May 14 and was triggered by heavy, continuous rains linked to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Geographical Factors and Flooding Causes
These towns are situated around the vast Ligawasan Marsh, which spans over 200,000 hectares across Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat provinces. This marsh acts as a catch basin for waterways flowing from the mountainous areas of Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat.
Local officials and experts have noted that recurring floods are exacerbated by the heavy buildup of silt in the Ligawasan Marsh and the connected river systems. This sediment accumulation reduces the water basin’s capacity, causing water to overflow during heavy rains.
Mamasapano’s Prolonged Flooding
In Mamasapano, eight out of 14 barangays have remained submerged for five consecutive days. The prolonged floodwaters have severely affected residents’ daily lives and disrupted local livelihoods.
Weather Advisories and Ongoing Risks
On Tuesday, May 20, the national weather bureau issued a flood advisory for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), warning of potential heavy rains due to a low-pressure area. Provinces specifically mentioned include Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao.
The advisory highlights possible flooding along river systems in Barangay Nituan in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, as well as rivers in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Buluan, Matuber in Datu Blah Sinsuat, and tributaries in Dapao and Matling in Lanao del Sur. Rivers in Gubuan and Kumalarang in Basilan are also at risk.
Authorities have urged people living near mountain slopes and low-lying areas along these rivers to remain vigilant. Local disaster risk reduction councils have been advised to stay alert for possible flash floods that may occur suddenly.
Community Response and Preparedness
Community leaders and disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation closely. Efforts to provide relief and evacuation assistance are ongoing, especially in the hardest-hit barangays. Meanwhile, environmental experts stress the need for long-term solutions to address silt buildup and improve water management in the Ligawasan Marsh catchment area to reduce future flooding risks.
For more news and updates on flooding in Maguindanao del Sur, visit Filipinokami.com.