Octogenarian rescued from flood in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY — An 82-year-old woman was rescued as she got trapped inside her house amid floodings in three villages in Tukuran town, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday.

Maximina Sinoy was alone when water inundated her home in Tagulo village. Neighbors managed to get to her and carry her to higher ground amid heavy downpour.

Sinoy said her children were away for work. She thanked her neighbors for saving her.

Tukuran Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Action Officer Rolando Tangub told the Inquirer the villages of Tagulo, Sugod and Sto. Niño of Tukuran town have been flooded as torrential rains began early dawn.

In Tagulo area alone, around 15 hectares of rice fields and fish ponds were damaged while vegetables and corn crops were destroyed in nearby areas.

Nenita Ramirez, a resident of Tagulo said they usually experience flooding in their area three to five times a year as the Tagulo River overflows. In the past, floodwater swept away their livestock and crops.

Tukuran Mayor Maychel Rota has suspended classes on all levels in the coastal town.

The Tukuran LDRRM team has yet to assess the damages caused by heavy rain and floods.

Dinas and San Miguel towns in Zamboanga del Sur also suspended classes on all levels due to heavy rain.   /kga