AUTHORITIES have warned the public from swimming, fishing, or washing clothes at the Davao River and its tributaries following a chemical spill after a tanker truck fell into a cliff in Lower Lanitum, Barangay Suawan, Marilog District at around 11:44 p.m. on Monday.
According to the initial report, the truck driver tried to avoid an oncoming vehicle and swerved onto the light post. Eventually, the vehicle careened to the 50-foot creek that connects to the Suawan River.
The truck was reportedly carrying caustic soda, a highly corrosive chemical. Unfortunately, the unidentified driver did not make it while his aide was already out of danger.
Caustic soda, also known as lye, is the common name for sodium hydroxide. Exposure to high concentrations of caustic soda may cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and internal organs. It can also cause death or permanent damage.
In an interview with the Davao City Disaster Radio, Alfredo Baloran, Davao City Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said, “Sa pag trace nato, naa nangamatay na isda sa tributary sa Suawan river (When we traced [the spill], we confirmed a fish kill at the tributary of the Suawan River).”
He said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources had already collected water samples to examine the extent of the contamination. He also asked people to refrain from cooking any dead fish they find on the river.
Baloran said the spilled chemical was minimal and the Bureau of Fire-Special Rescue Force had already cordoned and contained the area.
“We already contained the chemicals, but we fear the impact of a strong downpour, which may cause the chemical to spill over downstream,” he said.
Nevertheless, he already coordinated with the police station commanders to help alert all the barangays, especially houses straddling the river and its tributaries, to refrain from leisure activities.
According to Central 911, the Urban Search and Rescue Unit extricated the two men from being trapped in the truck at 7:52 a.m. on Wednesday. The driver was declared dead on-site, while the Emergency Medical Services team treated the other victim, who refused to go to the hospital.
