Floods affect 270 000 people in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines
Heavy rains linked to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) have affected more than 270 000 people in Maguindanao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines, between May 14 and 22, 2025. Floodwaters have damaged homes and disrupted transportation, forcing thousands to seek shelter in evacuation centers.
Mindanao floods in the Philippines on May 22, 2025. Credit: CARE Philippines
The flooding has impacted 120 areas in Maguindanao del Sur Province since May 14, with local authorities reporting significant disruption to transportation and infrastructure. At least three houses have been destroyed, while four roads and one bridge remain impassable.
Around 8 000 individuals have taken shelter in eight evacuation centers, while 261 965 are sheltered outside of evacuation centers, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on May 22.
In response to the severity of the situation, a state of calamity was declared in 24 cities and municipalities within Maguindanao del Sur.
Officials continue to monitor the situation as rainfall persists over the region. Forecasts indicate additional precipitation through the weekend, with rainfall totals of 50 to 100 mm (2–4 inches) expected across parts of Mindanao, particularly in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro region, Davao provinces, and Soccsksargen corridor.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) meteorologist Grace Castañeda, much of Mindanao remains vulnerable to downpours as the intertropical convergence zone continues to influence weather across the region.
Areas likely to bear the brunt include the Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro region, Davao provinces, and the Soccsksargen corridor, which covers South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.
Weather authorities have forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms across the southern Philippines over the next 48 hours, for which Red and Orange flood warnings have been issued.
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