At least eight people remain missing in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, following widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides on Friday, July 10, 2026, triggered by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by Tropical Cyclone Inday.
Missing Persons and Rescue Efforts
The Davao Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that eight individuals are missing, while one survivor was rescued and brought to Tomas Lachica District Hospital for treatment. Mayor Jason John Joyce urged residents in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas to evacuate and follow local authorities' instructions as continuous heavy rains continued to batter the municipality.
Rapid Damage Assessment
The following day, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) of Jose Abad Santos and Don Marcelino, in coordination with the PDRRMO, conducted a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA). Assessment teams were deployed to affected barangays Malalan, Tanuman, Kalbay, Butuan, and Sugal, where flooding and landslides inundated homes, disrupted transportation, and affected vulnerable communities. Authorities said the RDNA will guide emergency response, relief distribution, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery interventions.
Infrastructure Disruptions
The severe weather also caused transportation disruptions after floodwaters carried logs, rocks, and debris onto the Tanuman Big Bridge, forcing its temporary closure to all vehicles. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a travel advisory urging motorists to avoid the area and monitor official advisories until conditions improve.
Clearing Operations
The DPWH-Davao, through its Equipment Management Division and the Davao Occidental District Engineering Office, continued clearing operations in landslide-affected barangays Nuing, Kitayo, and Balangonan in Jose Abad Santos. Heavy equipment removed mud, rocks, fallen trees, and other debris blocking road sections after continuous rains and recent earthquakes destabilized mountain slopes. The DPWH later announced that affected roads had been reopened and were passable to all vehicles, but motorists were reminded to remain vigilant due to the continuing threat of landslides amid persistent rainfall.
Ongoing Monitoring
Disaster officials continue to monitor the situation as the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Cyclone Inday, brings intermittent heavy rains across Mindanao, increasing flood and landslide risks, especially in areas where slopes were weakened by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region last month.
