Heavy rains caused massive flooding in Davao City on January 20 that affected some 15 barangays and displaced hundreds of families.
Photo: Sr. Mary Luz Bantilan returns to Jade Valley to inspect the damage caused by the floods.
Jade Valley Subdivision, where a Good Shepherd convent and a small farm were located, was among the areas affected. Waters began to rise as early as 1 a.m. on January 20 until it was no longer possible for Sr. Mary Luz Bantilan to vacate the area. Sr. Maria Magdalena "Dale" Saavedra who was at the Matina convent, said a group of rescuers tried to go to Jade Valley in the morning, but they could not proceed. She called Sr. Mary Diane Cabasagan who's in Manila and Sr. Mary Cecilia Torres, province leader. Sr. Mary Cecilia was able to talk to Sr . Mary Luz on the cellphone and assured her that rescuers were trying their best to reach her. The rubber boats could not negotiate the strong current caused by the floods. Sr. Mary Luz who at the second floor of the house and it was only at 4 p.m. that the rescue operations succeeded. She found a styrofoam and that made it easier for the rescuers to pull her away from the flooded house.
After her rescue, she helped Good Shepherd Sisters who were kept busy helping about 200 families in a Muslim community. Most of the families are also helped by the Center for Overseas Workers in Davao, because they have been victims of various abuses.
Photo: Still green
The Philippine Province sent clothings, and food items for the victims.
Below are some of the photos:
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| Volunteers prepare the relief bags. | Muslim Community | |
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| Sr. Dale Saavedra and volunteers during the relief oprations | Clothing and food items for the flood victims. |