Heavy monsoon rain triggers severe Davao flooding, evacuations

DAVAO FLOOD. Waters rose to nearly the level of rooftops in Davao City, July 25, 2026 Raphael Reyes/Rappler The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office says the Talomo River overflowed, inundating the communities in Los Amigos, Matina, Bangkal and Talomo proper CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Continuous heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon triggered widespread flooding in several villages in Davao City on Friday, July 24, with many residents reporting that floodwaters rose rapidly from around six feet to nearly rooftop level in some communities, forcing families to flee their homes. The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said the Talomo River overflowed, inundating the communities in Los Amigos, Matina, Bangkal and Talomo proper. Authorities evacuated residents to temporary shelters as floodwaters swept through low-lying neighborhoods. Residents in the hardest-hit areas said the water rose within hours, trapping some families inside their homes and prompting rescues by emergency responders. In several cases, floodwaters climbed from about six feet to just below rooftops, leaving only the upper portions of houses above water. “Tabang! (Help!),” Davao-based columnist Margarita Valle posted on her Facebook page on Friday night. Valle posted later that evening: “Lampas ulo pa gihapon ang baha sa Talomo and all around… we need help.” (The floodwaters are still above head-level… we need help.) Magdalena Suarez, 77, a resident of Teachers Village in Barangay Talomo, told local broadcaster DXDC-RMN that Friday’s flooding was worse than what her community experienced in 2018, when floodwaters rose to neck level. This time, she said, the water surged above people’s height. “It was so sudden. It was traumatizing,” Suarez said, describing how floodwaters rose above head level shortly after 7 pm. Suarez appealed to authorities for aid, saying her family and neighbors had suffered substantial losses. Authorities have yet to release figures on casualties or the number of displaced families as of Saturday morning, July 25. The Davao CDRRMO said floodwaters had begun to recede in some areas and street flooding had eased by late Friday. However, portions of the Talomo and Matina rivers remained at critical levels, prompting authorities to keep evacuation operations in place. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading