Flash Flood Forces Over 2,000 Individuals to Evacuate in Zamboanga City
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A flash flood triggered by heavy rains in the mountainous areas of Zamboanga City on Sunday, September 17, has resulted in the evacuation of more than 2,000 individuals.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were quick to respond and successfully rescued a group of people who were trapped in areas separated by the Canucutan River in Barangay Pasonanca.
The flash flood occurred as a result of the heavy rains causing rivers in the lower areas, where most residents live, to swell and overflow.
In response to the situation, Mayor John Dalipe directed the CDRRMO and the City Social Welfare and Development Office to attend to the needs of the evacuees.
Evacuation efforts were reported in four barangays, primarily in Tumaga, where more than 1,500 individuals sought refuge in the barangay hall, a multi-purpose hall, and the covered court.
In Barangay Tugbunga, a total of 262 individuals evacuated to the barangay hall, while more than 200 individuals from Barangay Santa Maria and over 350 persons from Barangay Guiwan sought refuge in safer grounds or stayed with relatives. Several other barangays were also affected, although no evacuees were reported.
Residents were caught off guard by the sudden onset of the flash flood as fair weather was experienced in the lower areas prior to the incident. The heavy rains were attributed to the presence of the intertropical convergence zone.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to the affected individuals.
