Six people have been reported missing after flash floods swept through several barangays in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on Tuesday night, local officials confirmed.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said the flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall that left hundreds of families affected. Residents in inundated areas were forced to leave their homes as rising waters threatened their safety.
Authorities said search and retrieval operations are ongoing to locate the six missing individuals. Rescue teams have been deployed to the affected barangays to assist in both evacuation and recovery efforts.
To ensure the safety of displaced residents, the local government has opened the City Gymnasium as a temporary evacuation center. Families forced out of their homes are now sheltered there while waiting for the waters to subside.
Meanwhile, the CDRRMO has started conducting a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDNA) to determine the extent of the impact and identify the immediate needs of the flood-affected communities. Officials said the findings would help guide relief operations and ensure that proper assistance is delivered.
Local authorities stressed that coordination with other government agencies is ongoing to provide food, water, and medical aid to evacuees.
While weather conditions have since improved, city officials reminded residents to remain alert and cooperate with authorities as disaster teams continue operations.
The situation in Valencia City remains under close monitoring as rescue and relief efforts are carried out to address the needs of affected families and to account for those still missing.
