10,000 people affected by floods in Zamboanga del Norte

MANILA, Philippines—Nearly 10,000 people have been affected by floods brought by heavy rains in Zamboanga del Norte, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday.

The water was waist-deep in several barangays in Dipolog City and the towns of Polanco and Katipunan after rivers overflowed.

Some of the affected families have evacuated to nearby schools and higher grounds.

The Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council conducted search-and-rescue operations, saving a number of families in a barangay in Katipunan town.

There were no reported casualties, according to the PDRRMC.

The authorities were monitoring the rivers’ water levels and advised families living near riverbanks to evacuate.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has  provided stress briefing sessions and hot meals to the victims, the NDRRMC report said.