3 dead in Zamboanga floods, classes still suspended

Flooding affects Zamboanga conflict evacuees at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Grandstand. Photo courtesy of Sarah Lizette Aquino

MANILA, Philippines—Three people were killed while another was missing due to flooding spawned by incessant rains in Zamboanga City

“[Three] persons were reported dead while another one remains missing due to rampaging waters,” the city government said on Twitter (@zambocitygovt).

Heavy rains and strong winds have battered the city for the last five days, adding to the problems caused by Moro rebels’ two-week bloody siege of the city.

“Almost 3,000 families, ravaging infrastructures and agricultural crops were displaced due to widespread flashfloods caused by the ITCZ (inter-tropical convergence zone),” another post said.

Classes in all levels, for both public and private schools, remained suspended.

However, the Philippine Information Agency Region IX (PIA-9) said government offices, as well as the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMCELCO), will continue providing services.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced that all commercial flights at the Zamboanga International Airport remain cancelled because of the flooded runway, PIA-9 said.

At least two landslides in Barangay (village) Lansones and Malagutay occurred, without any casualties, as “several riprap, hanging bridge and other infrastructures of the city were also damaged at the height of the flashfloods yesterday morning,” said the city government.

On Twitter, netizens sadly recounted that it has been exactly one month since fierce gunbattles erupted between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front started in the city.

Television reports said evacuations centers were filled with residents displaced by both flooding and armed conflict.

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