Philippines: Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Maco Municipality, Davao de Oro Province, as of Feb. 8

Response operations are ongoing due to a landslide in Maco Municipality, Davao de Oro Province, as of Feb. 8. The landslide occurred in the village of Masara late Feb. 6 after days of heavy rain in the region and struck several homes and three buses carrying mine workers. As of Feb. 8, authorities have reported at least 10 fatalities, 31 others injured, and 49 people remain missing following the landslide. At least 62 houses have been damaged and around 750 families have been evacuated from the area. Several roads in the affected area remain closed as of Feb. 8. Further scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast in the region over the coming days and could trigger additional landslides and flooding, as well as hamper ongoing response operations; search and rescue efforts had to be suspended Feb. 7 due to the risk of additional landslides.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides and 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 located 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for landslide- or 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 will likely 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. 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 will likely 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.