(UPDATED) Thousands were evacuated in Butuan City amid floods after the Agusan River overflowed due to heavy rains brought about by a low pressure area and the tail end of a cold front.

Local officials reported that a total of 2,751 families from 17 barangays were evacuated because of the floods.

According to local officials, the water level in the Agusan River has already reached a height of 3.76 meters, or more than double the normal level of 1.1 meters.

The affected barangays were Golden Ribbon, Mahogany, Buhangin, Agao, Baan, Baan Km. 3, Bading, Obrero, Maon, Agusan Pequeno, Pangabugan, Port Poyohon, Sto Nino, Maug, Banza, Florida and Tungao.

Residents in these barangays were ordered to seek shelter in several schools and covered courts.

The Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
also advised residents living near the rivers to voluntarily evacuate.

Authorities are now conducting relief operations in the evacuation centers.

In barangay Baan Riverside, some of the residents climbed onto the roof of their houses just to be rescued.

Despite of the implementation of forced evacuation Saturday afternoon, some residents preferred to stay in their homes.

Baan Riverside Elementary school is submerged in floodwaters, while floodwater reached waist level in Barangay Buhangin.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya also distributed relief goods to 700 families affected by flooding in the town of Loreto, Agusan Del Sur.

Weather bureau PAGASA said moderate to occasionally heavy rains will continue to affect Butuan City and the rest of CARAGA region.

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Classes in all levels in Butuan City are suspended Monday, January 30, 2017 due to floods. -- with reports from Charmane Awitan and Rodge Cultura ABS-CBN News