Homes submerged by flash floods in the Philippines

Homes submerged by flash floods in the Philippines

Homes and properties were damaged when flash floods swept through a town after several days of heavy rain.

Alicia Mae Pillo was with her family in South Cotabato, the Philippines when the flood water rose within minutes on Wednesday (August 19).

The worried daughter said they left their valuables to seek higher ground when the flood came because they have elderly relatives in the house.

She said: "I saw my mother crying because some of our appliances were damaged when we left." All of their furniture were submerged in the water that reached up to knee-deep depending on the house's location.

Some of the houses in low-lying areas near the river were badly affected so the local officials had prepared temporary shelters for them to stay until the weather condition is better.

However, Alicia said that the evacuation is being implemented on a voluntary basis for now because there is no typhoon.

A huge part of the country experienced heavy rains this week due to the southwest monsoon.

Southeast Asia is currently going through its annual rainy season lasting from May until October.