COTABATO CITY, Philippines — At least two persons have reportedly died as incessant rains flooded at least 19 towns in Maguindanao province, affecting at least 15,000 families and disrupting classes for 10,000 students in more than 50 schools.
In Cotabato City, more than 10 barangays also reported flooding.
Some flooded schools have taken to holding classes in makeshift roadside classrooms, the students sheltered from the elements by roofs of canvas sheets.
The floods have affected the towns of Northern and Mother Kabuntalan, Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Sultan Sa Barongis, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi, Rajah Buayan , Mamasapano, Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Piang , Mangudadatu, Pandag, Buluan, Sultan Kudarat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talitay and General Salipada K. Pdendatun, according to the People’s Medical Team of the provincial government.
The reported fataities were a 38-year old farmer in Upi town and a Grade 1 pupil in Pagalungan.
Authorities have yet to determine the extent and cost of damage to agriculture.
