NDRRMC: 2,000 affected by shearline in Davao region
More than 2,000 persons have been affected by the shearline that triggered flooding and landslides in the Davao region (Region 11), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday, January 17.
The NDRRMC said effects of the shearline have impacted 552 families or 2,212 individuals in 14 barangays in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Evacuation and rescue operations are ongoing as of press time.
A total of 446 families composed of 1,800 individuals are staying in evacuation centers.
Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), said that the strong rains experienced in Davao are caused by the combined effects of shearline and climate change.
Shearline refers to a point where a convergence of cold air from “amihan” or northeast monsoon mixes with the warm air from the Pacific Ocean.
“Kapag umangat kasi ‘yung init, hahalo siya at magke-create ng medyo abnormal o mas malakas na pag-ulan (When the warm air rises, it will mix (with cold air) and create slightly abnormal or stronger rain),” Nepomuceno said in a radio interview with dzbb.
The effect is further aggravated by the worsening temperature brought by the climate change, he said.
“Kung maaalala niyo ang Mindanao noong unang panahon hindi naman ganyan so nag-iiba na talaga (If you remember, Mindanao is not like that before so times are really changing),” Nepomuceno added.
The Philippine Army deployed disaster response units (DRUS) from the 1001st Infantry Brigade to assist in the rescue and relief operations of flood-affected residents in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.
The DRUS rescued thousands who were affected by the flooding in the three provinces, said Brig. Gen. Ronnie Babac, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.
“Let us continue our monitoring and be prepared always to assist the communities,” Babac told troops.