Thousands homeless, two missing in S. Philippine floods
20:52, 8 July 2010
COTABATO, The Philippines. July 8. KAZINFORM Thousands of people have fled and two civilians went missing as floods caused by heavy downpour hit several low-lying towns in southern Philippines, Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
Esmail Mangudadatu, governor of Maguindanao province, said Thursday nearly 23,000 people in the township of Sultan Kudarat have abandoned their homes as flood waters engulfed their villages since Wednesday night.
"The government temporarily gave them food assistance. They are staying in evacuation centers set up by our local officials, " Mangudadatu said.
In neighboring North Upi town, Mangudadatu said, local rescuers are still searching for two villagers who went missing while crossing a river at the height of heavy downpour on Tuesday, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com