The continuous heavy downpour on the province Bukidnon was reported to have caused the flash flood in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City at 8 pm, on July 13, 2021. The sudden surge of floodwaters was unexpected by the city residents who experienced fair weather throughout the day, and only light rains in the evening. However, the said neighboring province is on a higher elevation, and floodwaters would naturally flow downstream to nearby Cagayan de Oro City. Residents in the barangays of Baloy, Tablon, and Cugman experienced waist-deep waters. The flood displaced 1,150 families and washed out three houses.
Upon learning of this incident, the Northern Mindanao Adventist Community Services Inc. (NORMACS) through its director Pastor Melnaire V. Cagas speedily partnered with ADRA Philippines. Together these two church agencies promptly reached out to the flood victims.
Help was given to flood victims in the form of cash assistance of P1,500 per family. In Cugman, the two agencies distributed the financial assistance by visiting the victims in their houses, while in barangays Baloy and Tablon by gathering the victims in a covered basketball court. Health protocols were strictly observed throughout these distribution activities. About 450 families were blessed by the financial help allocated by ADRA Philippines.
Pastor Melnaire Cagas of North-Central Mindanao Conference coordinated with pastor Pastor Robert Villardo, district pastor of the Gusa District, and local government leaders in affected localities to implement a speedy and smooth distribution of calamity aid.
Melnaire Cagas, North Central Mindanao Conference