Mayor Khymer Olaso leads rescue efforts in Barangay Tumaga Monday afternoon, August 25, after rains caused flooding that displaced 407 families, based on initial count, from Filinvest, Kalayaan, Ayudahan and Paraiso Homes.

Mayor Olaso together with Tumaga Barangay Chairperson Jacqueline Julian Lim, kagawad and personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CZDRRMO), and Councilor Dan Vicente worked on moving affected families including submerged vehicles to safe areas.

Relief goods were also promptly distributed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) with the help of the Barangay Council members and volunteers.

While on ground, Mayor Olaso likewise conducted an assessment of the extent of damage caused by the flooding spawned by heavy rains. He noted that improving drainage systems and providing water pumps in flood-prone zones should be considered to help ease the burden of residents. He said the city government is looking into possible measures that may address the long-standing problem of flooding in the area.

In an interview, a kagawad and some residents share that even with only light rains, flooding continues to affect their homes and daily lives. They point out that this situation has been recurring for more than a decade, placing families at constant risk and showing the urgent need for immediate and long-term solutions.

Flooding in the Filinvest Subdivision caused the collapse of a concrete fence earlier Monday, directing flood waters to Ayudahan Drive and the nearby areas.

Meanwhile, as a proactive move, Mayor Olaso also instructed CDRRMO and other CDRRMC-member agencies to maximize rescue and clearing operations and to be on standby for other eventualities as the weather condition remains unstable.

The CDRRMO Operations Center spearheaded by Dr. Elmeir Apolinario continues to monitor the situation in all barangays and is ready to deploy response teams in case of emergencies. (with reports from Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)