Agusan del Sur declares a state of calamity because of a non-stop downpour that has displaced almost 10.000 families in 45 villages in Agusan since January ending. In Agusan del Sur, the rains of recent weeks have flooded the entire province, including Surigao del Sur.
Almost all the rivers have exceeded the alert threshold, and their waters have flooded nearly 80% of the province. All these rivers except Surigao del Sur flow to the Agusan River, which cuts across the SVD Mission areas of La Paz, Loreto, Binucayan, Sinubong, Sampaguita, Veruela, and Sta. Maria. As early as January 31, some areas in Loreto, La Paz, and Veruela were already underwater. The deluge of old rice and corn fields looked like a vast ocean. Water levels in some residential areas reached up to two meters high, which inundated the floor area of some elevated houses. On the morning of February 1, mass evacuation was conducted by the different Local Government Units, bringing the economic activities of the affected populace to a complete standstill.
People affected by the deluge call for help.
The different government agencies and local government units have conducted emergency relief operations. Most of the affected villages are farming and fishing communities. The farmers are disadvantaged because this is the second time their fields have flooded. Last January 16-18 of, 2024, their farms were already flooded. A good number of the farmers are already deep in debt. The Farmers need seedlings and fertilizers. On the other hand, the fisherfolk lost their fish traps and fishing nets. Others lost their canoe for fishing. They obtained some of those traps and fishing nets through loans. Like the farmers, they are also in debt.
Presently, food is what the victims need the most. Toiletries, mats, mosquito nets and blankets are also needed.
Source: Romeo Cagatin, SVD.
JPIC Coordinator PHS