Consolidated Rapid Assessments Report: Floods and Landslides Due to Northeast Monsoon and Low Pressure Area - Mindanao, Philippines (16 February 2024)

EASTERN MINDANAO FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES

The consolidated assessment was based on assessments and situation reports undertaken by ACCESS consortium, CARITAS, CFSI, OXFAM, CRS, PRC. The summary provides a shared understanding of the most pressing needs of vulnerable people and communities, living in the areas most affected by the recent earthquake.

CRISIS OVERVIEW

Successive weather disturbances affecting eastern Mindanao on 16 January with Shearline and Trough of Low-Pressure Area along with the Northeast Monsoon on 28 January up to 2 February caused flooding and landslides in the eastern section of Mindanao, affecting particularly the river municipalities along Agusan River Basin. Three earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 4.2 to 5.1 were recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) along these areas prior to the landslides. Some of these areas were also affected by the December 2023 Magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 offshore Surigao del Sur earthquakes. The provinces of Davao Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur were also affected TD Kabayan on 18 December 2023.

As of 14 February, 419,135 families or 1, 402,648 people were affected by flooding across Mindanao, affecting five regions, 13 provinces in 69 cities/municipalities and 832 barangays. Of these, 318,984 people are displaced; over 23,000 are in 95 ECs while around 85% are outside evacuation centers, taking temporary shelter with family and friends or staying in makeshift shelters. Several infrastructures and houses were damaged; around 1,603 houses were damaged of which 666 were totally damaged; 289 road sections and 26 bridges were affected, making many areas inaccessible. The NDRRMC reported that only 30% of the networks and bridges are passable causing massive road blockades and travel disruption for several days, 60% operability in seaports, and cities/municipalities experienced disruptions in power lines with 69% now restored. On essential lifelines, communication signal remains weak in Barangay Cabawan, Agusan del Sur and Barangay Masara, Davao de Oro. Davao de Oro is experiencing power interruption. Disruption in the water supply has been reported in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

While floodwaters have started to recede in some areas, communities affected by landslides, near riverbanks and flood prone areas will have to await decisions from local authorities on their returns or resettlements to temporary locations, subject to recommendations of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). Some displaced families residing in no-build zones have raised concerns, but no specifics on their concerns were provided. Most farmlands in affected areas were inundated, affecting early recovery of those displaced and seeking to return homes. Most of these damaged farmlands were owned by small farmers and tenants.

In Davao Oriental, the most affected municipalities -Lupon and Banaybanay are considered the rice granary of the province and source for Southern Mindanao. There has been an increase in prices of basic commodities and fuel due to impact on local markets, where roads and bridge access were affected, particularly for remote barangays such as in Barangay Anibungan, Carmen, Davao del Norte. But in Tagum City, the trading hub of Davao del Norte, the market systems are fully functional and can supply the market demand. In CARAGA, the top five cases in health consultations are Acute Respiratory Illness, such as cough, colds, sore throat, followed by high blood pressure, fever and open wounds/bruises, skin diseases and animal bites.