10 families flee Zamboanga flash floods

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Ten families temporarily took shelters at the high ground in Curuan village following the strong river current placing several homes under water.

Elmeir Apolinario, the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer, said 10 families had been evacuated due to flash floods at Sitio Basagan in Barangay Curuan late Wednesday afternoon.

“I have confirmed with the Barangay Captain Noel Perez who is onsite and according to him, there are 10 families directly affected but said that the number might rise as the possibility of flooding in other areas in Curuan is possible,” Apolinario said.

Heavy rains in the mountains caused rivers in Curuan area to swell, but as of 7 p.m., floodwaters have reportedly subsided to a manageable situation.

Displaced families were expected to return to their homes after they were assisted by personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Apolinario said their teams in Curuan were still assessing the damage. Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao