Philippines: Disruptions ongoing due to flooding and landslides in Caraga and Davao regions in eastern Mindanao as of Jan. 19 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of Caraga and Davao regions, Mindanao, as of Jan. 19. Heavy rainfall due to the presence of the shear line in recent days has triggered widespread flooding and several landslides in the region. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that more than 270,000 people have been affected by the severe weather across Caraga and Davao regions as of Jan. 19, with parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro among the worst affected areas. More than 26,000 people in Caraga Region and nearly 9,000 people in Davao Region have been displaced. Authorities have reported at least seven people were killed and four others injured after a landslide occurred in Monkayo, Davao de Oro Province, Jan. 18. A state of calamity has been declared in Davao del Norte Province due to severe flooding. Dozens of roads and at least two bridges have been made impassable due to floodwaters across the affected areas.

Further adverse weather has been forecast across the region over the coming days. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) has forecast scattered showers and thunderstorms over both regions through at least Jan. 20 due to the continued presence of the shear line; further flash flooding and landslides are possible. PAGASA is maintaining extreme general flood advisories (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) across Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental provinces in the Davao Region and severe general flood advisories across the Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur provinces in the Caraga Region. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.