The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was placed under a state of calamity due to landslides and massive floodings caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

This was announced by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim in a video statement on Saturday, Oct. 29.

“Hindi bababa sa sampung munisipyo sa Mindanao ang lubhang naapektuhan kabilang na dito ang Cotabato City. Kaya naman itinaas na natin sa code red ang alert level sa buong BARRM region,“ Ebrahim said.

He said local authorities are currently conducting rescue operations to ensure that affected residents are all evacuated from their homes.

The Chief Minister noted that the Bangsamoro Government had prepared prior to the onslaught of Paeng.

“Nananawagan po kami sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na manatiling naka-alerto, makiramdam, maging updated sa balita, mag-stock ng pagkain, at iwasan muna ang pagbiyahe sa mga apektadong lugar upang bigyang daan ang mga sasakyan na may dalang pakain at tulong mula sa pamahalaan,“ Ebrahim said.

According to the latest situational report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 22,425 families or 89,649 individuals in BARRM were affected by STS Paeng.

Of which, 392 families or 1,406 individuals are currently staying inside the evacuation centers while 421 families or 1,668 individuals are staying with friends or family members.