4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
[MIS04-11] Flooding in Eastern Mindanao Due to Shearline and Trough of Low-Pressure Area from January to February 2024: A Post-Flood Analysis
Keywords:Philippines, Flood model, Rainfall, Flood risk
From January 15 to February 4, 2024, continuous rainfall driven by the Shearline and Trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) caused severe flooding in the eastern portion of Mindanao, Philippines, affecting the Caraga and Davao regions. A post-flood survey conducted from February 26 to March 9, 2024, aimed to document the extent, magnitude, and impacts of the flooding in three major river basins: Agusan, Tagum, and Davao. The survey covered the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur, with additional focus on Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental. The study analyzed weather disturbances, hydrometeorological conditions, and flood advisory timings in relation to water level data. Key findings revealed that flooding primarily affected low-lying areas and communities near river channels, with peak inundation heights ranging from 0.3 m to over 9 m, particularly in Agusan del Sur. Flooding durations varied, typically lasting 1–3 days, though some areas experienced prolonged inundation. Additionally, flood extent derived from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images and inundation model outputs showed strong correlation with field observations. This study highlights the need for improved early warning systems, enhanced river basin management, and the development of operational flood models to mitigate future flood risks in the region.