GenSan imposes forced evacuation due to flash floods

Gen. Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao (in blue raincoat) inspects the Makar bridge following a heavy downpour in the city Thursday, July 23, 2026, causing floods in low-lying communities. — Photo courtesy of GenSantos LGU GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The local government here has implemented forced evacuation for about 500 families threatened by flash floods and possible overflow due to torrential rains spawned by Tropical Storm Kiyapo and the southwest monsoon (habagat) in several areas in the city on Thursday afternoon, July 23. The moderate-to-heavy daylong downpour triggered flooding in low-lying areas and communities along rivers and waterways, affecting about 1,000 families, according to the initial reports from Gen. Santos City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao and her husband, Barangay League president Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao, facilitated the evacuation of families and transported them to evacuation centers in Barangays Calumpang, Labangal and in Sitio Balite, Barangay Lagao. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Wind signals raised over parts of N. Luzon due to Kiyapo At the Calumpang barangay gymnasium, a total of 117 households or 495 individuals were temporarily sheltered as rains continue overnight. Displaced families have been given food packs, non-food items, milk and diapers for infants. River water along the Makar River was rampaging following a daylong downpour. Mayor Pacquiao also proceeded to the Makar Bridge area to assess the flooding and oversee efforts to evacuate affected families. Article continues after this advertisement Pacquiao personally went to flood-threatened communities to convince residents to evacuate. “Your life and safety are our priority,” she said, asking them to move to safer grounds. Article continues after this advertisement Rampaging waters near the mouth of the Makar River threaten residential homes along the riverbank. — Photo courtesy of GenSan LGU Villages and communities in Gen. Santos and the nearby province of Sarangani are yet to recover from the devastating June 8 earthquake and are again threatened by flash floods. Mayor Pacquiao reminded residents that repeated aftershocks have weakened the ground and are worsened by repeated rains over the past few days, making communities vulnerable to landslides or sinkholes. READ: Kiyapo putting 6,947 barangays at risk of landslides, floods — OCD In Malapatan, Sarangani province, the bridge over Sapu Masla River was rendered not passable after its foundation was weakened by strong river water currents, causing cracks in the concrete structure. It was opened to light vehicles at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Soccsksargen region reported Thursday afternoon that Kumaba Bridge in Barangay Kanalo, Maasim, Sarangani Province was not passable to all kinds of vehicles. It was threatened by rampaging floodwaters. Sarangani Gov. Rogelio Pacquaio also suspended classes at all levels, both public and private, for July 24, while provincial government personnel are told to work from home, except those providing essential government services. Maasim town was threatened by major floods when the daylong rain on Thursday triggered severe flooding across several communities, forcing residents to flee when their homes were submerged by rampaging waters from Kablacan river in Barangay Kablacan. Displaced families due to flash floods in Barangay Labangal are housed inside the Labangal Satellite Court in Gen. Santos City. — Photo courtesy of GenSan LGU The strong water current damaged a hanging bridge and swept away several houses in Barangay Amsipit. The Maasim municipal disaster office reported that the Siguel River in Barangay Tinoto has overflowed and threatened schools and residential areas, forcing villagers to evacuate. Displaced families in Maasim are uncertain when to return home as rains, although moderate, persist Friday morning. Affected families are now housed in Barangay Tinoto covered court. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. There were no reported deaths or injuries during the floods. /das