Manila, Feb. 20 -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has placed its chapters in Mindanao on heightened alert after heavy rains caused by the prevailing shear line triggered flooding and a landslide in parts of Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental early Friday.

In a news release, PRC chair and chief executive officer Richard Gordon ordered continuous monitoring and rapid response operations in affected areas.

In Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, floodwaters reached waist to chest levels, prompting evacuation activities. About 143 volunteers assisted residents in moving to safer areas as water levels rose.

A landslide was reported in Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Davao de Oro, where the PRC Emergency Response Unit retrieved three fatalit...