Massive Flooding Devastates Agricultural Lands in Maguindanao del Sur
DAVAO CITY – The province of Maguindanao del Sur has suffered significant agricultural losses due to massive flooding, reports from local disaster response teams reveal. The flooding has resulted in over P121 million worth of damage and destroyed more than 6,000 hectares of farmland. These figures come from sources familiar with the situation, highlighting the impact on the region’s agriculture and livelihoods.
This massive flooding has affected thousands of farmers, with estimates showing that at least 4,000 individuals engaged in farming have been impacted. In total, over 323,000 people across several municipalities have been affected by the floods. The disaster was triggered by the combined effects of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and a low-pressure area (LPA), which brought persistent heavy rains starting May 14.
Flooded Towns and State of Calamity Declarations
Floodwaters have submerged numerous low-lying areas throughout Maguindanao del Sur. Towns such as Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Sultan sa Barongis, and Talayan have all been affected.
Beyond Maguindanao del Sur, the flooding extended to Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte, Lamitan City in Basilan, and Kapalawan in the Special Geographic Area. Due to the severe impacts, towns including Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Mamasapano have declared states of calamity to facilitate emergency response and resource mobilization.
Causes and Environmental Challenges of Flooding
Local experts point to the Ligawasan Marsh, a 200,000-hectare wetland that acts as a catch basin for the Mindanao river system, as a key factor in the flooding. The marsh and the connected river systems have accumulated heavy silt deposits over time, reducing their capacity to manage floodwaters effectively. This buildup has contributed to recurring flood events in the area.
Relief Efforts and Community Response
Community leaders and disaster response units, including the regional emergency action group and social service ministries, have been distributing relief goods and hygiene kits to those displaced or affected by the floods. These efforts aim to address immediate needs and mitigate health risks posed by the disaster.
Water Hyacinth Blockage Worsens Situation
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, residents of Barangay Taviran have raised concerns about water hyacinths that have clogged waterways since May 22. According to the local disaster office, the invasive plants carried by the Taviran River have damaged around 50 riverside houses. The mats of water hyacinths have become trapped under a bridge connecting Datu Odin Sinsuat and Kabuntalan, aggravating flood conditions.
To prevent further structural damage, the local government has organized volunteer teams to clear the waterways and remove the obstructing plants.
For more news and updates on massive flooding, visit Filipinokami.com.