4,000 families displaced by floods in Zamboanga del Norte town

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Some 4,000 families have been affected by the flooding that hit the town of Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte.

Siocon Mayor Cesar Soriano said floodwater has practically submerged the entire town following days of continuous rain.

At least 800 families are now staying in churches and gymnasiums. Some of the evacuees are staying with relatives living on higher ground.

Soriano said two persons have been reported missing, adding that the town’s two main rivers overflowed, spilling to communities and farms.

In some villages, the water has reached five feet high.

“Mabuti na lang yung tubig tumaas sa araw at nagkaroon ng pagkakataong maka-evacuate ang mga pamilya (It’s a good thing water rose during daytime because this gave us time to evacuate the families),” he said, adding that they were having difficulty in importing rice for relief because the roads leading to the town have become impassable.