Heavy rain triggers first widespread flooding of 2026 in Cagayan de Oro

Floodwaters inundate Cagayan de Oro streets and low-lying communities, with the Cagayan River, Iponan River, and creeks swelling

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding in Cagayan de Oro Metropolis and elements of Northern Mindanao on Friday evening, January 2, marking the primary important flood occasion of the brand new 12 months within the area.

State climate bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Providers Administration (PAGASA) stated the downpour was pushed by easterlies and wind convergence, affecting provinces together with Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and surrounding areas. 

Floodwaters inundated streets and low-lying communities, with the Cagayan River, Iponan River, and creeks swelling. Rampaging floodwaters had been reported in some areas, prompting residents to maneuver to larger floor and sending the Metropolis Catastrophe Threat Discount and Administration Workplace (CDRRMD) on alert.

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Within the village of Balulang, rising floodwaters washed out a number of small properties throughout the heavy rainfall, leaving some households with out time to salvage belongings, notably as a lot of the affected homes had been constructed with mild supplies.

The heavy rain additionally disrupted water providers. Elements of town’s west service space and parts of the east skilled interruptions after swollen rivers affected consumption screens at native supplier Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Integrated (COBI), the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) stated. 

COBI provides roughly 80% of jap Cagayan de Oro’s water and 40% of the western half, drawing instantly from the rivers, COWD chairman Gerry Cano advised Magnum Radio on Saturday, January 3.

Cagayan de Oro remained largely cloudy on Saturday morning. Close by areas in Bukidnon, together with Libona, Mampayag, Dahilayan, Lindaban, Manolo Fortich, Talakag, and Baungon, additionally skilled overcast circumstances, the CDRRMD stated. 

The Iponan River has begun to recede however stays beneath shut monitoring, whereas water ranges within the Cagayan River have returned to regular.

Authorities urged residents, notably in flood-prone barangays, to proceed monitoring climate advisories and take precautions. 

Comparable climate circumstances endured for hours throughout Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and neighboring provinces, elevating the chance of additional flooding.

PAGASA additionally issued a normal flood advisory for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Area in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), inserting rivers together with the Dapao and Matling in Lanao del Sur, and the Nituan, Mindanao, Allah, and Buluan in Maguindanao, beneath shut watch. 

The heavy rain got here amid a mixture of climate programs, together with a shear line affecting Southern Luzon and the northeast monsoon over northern and central Luzon. – Rappler.com