Flooding in the southern Philippine city of Davao has displaced 15,000 families and affected thousands of others. Officials said the death toll rose to 30 on Friday with the discovery of another body. At least one person remains missing and is presumed dead. The Office of Civil Defense reports Davao has sustained millions of dollars of damage.
Flooding begin Tuesday after hours of heavy rain caused a swollen river to overflow. Flood water rose quickly and few residents were prepared. Mayor Sarah Duterte released $1.2 million in relief funds to local officials after a state of emergency was declared. Duterte said the first priority was helping displaced families. “We will see how we can help them relocate, especially the informal settlers,” she said. “For those who can afford to relocate, we can help them find an area but for the informal settlers, we need to help them build their homes.”
The flash flood came just days after the eastern and northern Philippines were battered by Tropical Storm Meari. At least 5 people died in the storm.
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