As the rain continues to pour, many parts of the Philippines have been feeling its impact, as homes and villages are submerged in a flood brought about by the seemingly endless downpour. 

ADRA Philippines was alerted by the Adventist Community Services director of the North Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC) that there were flash floods on the evening of July 13 in Cagayan de Oro City. According to the city government of Cagayan de Oro, the flooding was caused by the rise in the water levels of rivers and their tributaries in the neighboring province of Bukidnon due to heavy rains. Bukidnon is in an elevated area, and Cagayan de Oro serves as its primary natural basin. The floods were unexpected in Cagayan de Oro, where the weather was relatively fair throughout the day. Floodwaters swept away some houses while hundreds were left in up to waist-deep water.

Roads were impassable, leaving vehicles stranded on the highway for hours.

The initial report from local ACS partners show that there are over 1,000 affected families in Barangays Cugman and Tablon, located near the river. 

Based on the interviews conducted by the district pastor and his team, the immediate needs are cleaning materials, shelter repair materials, food, and clothing. They also add that most of the affected families have now returned to their homes to secure their belongings and prevent COVID-19 transmission since the evacuation centers were crowded. Distribution of relief goods commences on Tuesday, July 27. 

Please keep all the ACS volunteers in your prayers as they assess, validate, and organize for this relief distribution. We also pray for everyone's safety from COVID. 

This article was originally published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s news site