Waist-deep floods submerged parts of Barangay Caridad in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Friday, July 24, 2026, as relentless monsoon rains battered the region. Residents described scenes of chaos as floodwaters surged through the village, forcing families to take refuge on elevated surfaces such as tables and rooftops. The situation unfolded amid ongoing heavy downpours linked to the southwest monsoon, or habagat, which intensified throughout the preceding days. Rainfall began on Thursday, July 23, according to Barangay staff member Tambaiko Ambilang Sarip, who noted that the downpours persisted through the night, alternating between moderate and heavy intensity. By dawn, floodwaters started to rise rapidly, entering homes within minutes. By approximately 12 a.m., water levels had reached above knee height in some residences, prompting residents to begin evacuating belongings to higher ground. By 5:30 a.m., the village center was largely under water, with waist-deep floodwaters dominating several areas. Residents navigated the crisis using whatever means available, pushing tricycles through the inundated streets, carrying motorcycles to safer locations, and utilizing boats to transport young children. These efforts underscored the urgency of the situation, as families sought to minimize further damage to their property and ensure the safety of their loved ones. Despite the challenges, no formal evacuation orders were issued, and no families left their homes during the initial phase of the disaster. Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu responded swiftly, issuing an executive order to suspend classes in all schools within Lambayong and the entire province of Sultan Kudarat. This decision aimed to protect students and educators from the hazards posed by the worsening conditions. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) confirmed that the southwest monsoon continued to deliver substantial rainfall over the Soccsksargen region, raising concerns about prolonged wet weather. The impact of the flooding extended beyond immediate displacement. Many residents expressed worries about the potential destruction of agricultural fields, particularly rice, corn, and vegetable crops that had been submerged. High water levels also hindered mobility, making it nearly impossible for individuals to operate motorized vehicles. As a result, daily activities became increasingly difficult, with some families remaining confined to their homes for extended periods. Lambayong Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Sherwin de Guzman explained that Barangay Caridad and surrounding communities function as natural catch basins, collecting runoff from upstream regions such as South Cotabato, Bagumbayan, and Isulan. This geographical characteristic makes the area especially vulnerable to flooding, even when local rainfall is minimal. De Guzman emphasized that the current deluge was part of a broader pattern, with heavy rains in upstream areas contributing significantly to the rising waters in the lower regions. Despite the persistent threat of additional rainfall, residents remained cautious. Although skies appeared cloudy on Friday morning and no rain was actively falling, the expectation of further precipitation kept the community vigilant. As of Friday morning, no families had officially evacuated, though the situation remained fluid and unpredictable. With the floodwaters continuing to pose a challenge, the focus now shifts toward recovery efforts and long-term resilience planning in the face of recurring monsoon threats.
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