100 flee from landslides, floods in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least 100 people from several villages here evacuated to safer ground on Thursday, following a series of landslides, flashfloods and storm surges amid the inclement weather.

Most of those affected by the landslides came from Barangay (village) Calarian, officials said.

Sheila Covarrubias, city information chief, said 32 families had to seek refuge at the covered court in Calarian after a landslide destroyed three houses.

Elmer Apolinario, the city disaster risk reduction management officer, said a landslide was monitored in Barangay Patalon but no structure was damaged.

He said one person was also wounded when caught by a toppled tree in Barangay Talon-talon.

Covarrubias said a storm surge also destroyed a house in Barangay Sinunuc.

Several houses in Barangays Cabatangan and Putik were also flooded as rains continued to dump water in the villages, she said.

Two school buildings at the Divisoria Elementary School were also under water, Covarrubias said.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has issued three consecutive orders regarding the suspension of classes due to the inclement weather.