Water interruptions, landslides reported in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) reported that several areas in the city are experiencing water service interruptions, ranging from low pressure to no water supply, as of Saturday, 3 January.

The City Engineer’s Office also reported landslides in several upper barangays.

City Engineer Joel Momongan said heavy equipment was deployed to clear roads blocked by large boulders and rocks in upper barangays in Macasandig and Lumbia. No casualties were reported in the incidents.

The water interruption began at around 10:00 p.m. on 2 January and affected the West Service Area and portions of the East Service Area. Areas affected in the West Service Area include Lumbia, from T.O.P. to the Airbase or Old Airport, as well as Canitoan, Pagatpat, Upper Carmen, Patag, Bulua, Iponan, and Opol. In the East Service Area, affected locations include Upper Macasandig, Tibasak, Camaman-an, Lapasan, and portions of Gusa.

In an advisory, COWD said the disruption was caused by low flow delivery from its bulk water supplier, Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI).

According to COBI, heavy rainfall resulted in high turbidity levels at the river source, which affected intake screens and compromised the raw water supply. Cleaning and de-clogging operations will be conducted once water flow conditions become workable.

COWD said the situation is emergency in nature, which is why no prior advisory was issued. The water district added that it is coordinating with COBI and will provide updates once conditions improve.