Landslides Claim Seven Lives in Davao Region Amid Torrential Rains
At least seven individuals have perished in devastating landslides triggered by relentless heavy rainfall across the Davao Region on Friday, February 20, 2026. The catastrophic weather event, driven by a shear line, has prompted widespread class suspensions, forced evacuations, and activated emergency disaster responses throughout the area.
Fatalities and Local Impact
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Davao Region confirmed the deaths as of 12:20 p.m., with three fatalities occurring in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, and four in Mati City, Davao Oriental. These tragic incidents resulted from separate landslides that buried residents during intense overnight downpours.
In Mati City, Mayor Joel Almario personally inspected the landslide site in Upper Salazar, Barangay Central, expressing profound condolences to the affected families. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office–Mati reported that one entire family was buried alive after the heavy rain initiated the landslide.
Meanwhile, in Monkayo, three people were also buried alive when a landslide struck Purok 5, Barangay Rizal, around 11:40 p.m. on Thursday, February 19. Rescuers managed to recover two bodies at dawn, with a third victim found later in the morning. The local government has extended its sympathy to the victims’ families and provided necessary assistance.
Regionwide Suspensions and Emergency Measures
Local governments across the Davao Region have suspended classes and some work activities as weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. In Davao City, officials halted classes at all levels in both public and private schools due to persistent rain and unsafe weather patterns.
Numerous cities and municipalities followed suit, including areas in Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental. Some regions also ceased government work, except for frontline and emergency services, while others transitioned to alternative learning modes to ensure continuity.
Authorities in the Island Garden City of Samal suspended classes due to potential flooding and landslides, urging residents to monitor official announcements for updates. Similarly, Tagum City stopped face-to-face classes, shifting to alternative learning methods, though government offices remained operational.
Provincial officials have raised alert levels and activated emergency operations centers to enhance monitoring and inter-agency coordination in communities prone to floods and landslides.
Evacuations and Infrastructure Damage
Heavy rainfall has forced numerous families from their homes as floodwaters and landslides ravaged vulnerable communities across Davao de Oro and adjacent areas. The Department of Social Welfare and Development reported that, as of 7:31 a.m., 56 families, comprising approximately 230 individuals, were sheltering at an evacuation center in Monkayo.
Evacuations were ordered in Barangay Magsaysay, Nabunturan, on Wednesday evening due to fears of landslides and flash floods from continuous rain. Landslides have struck multiple villages in Laak, including Barangay Melale, Datu Ampunan, and Barangay Datu Davao, causing road cracks and necessitating heavy equipment for clearing operations.
Additional landslides occurred in Purok 23, Barangay Ngan in Compostela, and Barangay Sawangan, Mawab, where debris blocked parts of the highway. Severe weather also led to the collapse of a bridge section along Panag-Cogonin Road in New Bataan, diverting motorists to alternate routes.
Floodwaters submerged homes in Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion, in Davao del Norte after a nearby creek overflowed. In Davao City, rising street water near the Maa Flyover slowed traffic significantly, highlighting the widespread impact of the adverse weather.
Weather Advisories and Safety Precautions
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued heavy rainfall warning No. 11 as a shear line and easterly winds continue to affect parts of the Davao Region. Orange warnings, indicating possible flooding and landslides, cover specific areas in Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro, while yellow warnings have been raised for other regions.
Light to moderate, occasionally heavy rains are anticipated across the rest of the region, including Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and additional areas of Davao del Norte. Pagasa strongly urges residents and local disaster risk reduction offices to remain vigilant, monitor updates regularly, and adhere to official advisories to ensure safety.
The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for preparedness and coordinated response efforts as the region grapples with the aftermath of these natural disasters.
