LAAK, Davao de Oro — A portion of a road in Purok 7, Barangay Kiokmay, Laak, collapsed on Friday, February 20, 2026, following continuous rainfall that triggered soil erosion and strong water flow in the area.

Initial reports indicate that the damage resulted from prolonged rain caused by the shear line, which has been affecting several parts of Mindanao. The sustained downpour weakened the ground beneath the roadway, eventually causing a section to give way and making the route unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians.

Local authorities immediately cordoned off the affected area and advised residents to avoid the road while safety assessments and possible repair plans are being arranged. The incident disrupted transportation, particularly for nearby communities that rely on the road for access to markets, schools, and essential services.

While heavy rains commonly cause landslides and road damage in mountainous regions, recurring infrastructure failures often reveal deeper vulnerabilities. Drainage capacity, slope stabilization, and land use planning can determine whether rainfall becomes a minor inconvenience or a serious hazard. Communities in upland areas frequently depend on single access roads, meaning even partial collapse can isolate residents and delay emergency response.

The Laak incident highlights how weather events, even without a typhoon, can quickly test the resilience of public infrastructure.

When roads repeatedly fail during prolonged rains, is the problem simply weather — or the way infrastructure is built for a changing environment? (Larawan mula: Mary Grace Luad / Facebook)