Floodwaters inundate villages; displace thousands of Zambo residents

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Some 12,000 people have been displaced by flooding due to heavy rain here in the past three days.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar said at least two people were reported dead while one remains missing due to the extreme weather-induced calamity.

Salazar said her office has recorded a total of 2,448 families or 12,240 individuals who are now staying in barangay halls and gymnasium because of the flooding in the western portion of this city.

“Rain keeps battering the city and we expect more flooding, but we have trained barangay officials who are mandated to respond immediately,” Salazar said.

The barangays of Vitali and Mangusu have been under water since Sunday when the swollen river overflowed to the community.

In Vitali, six houses were swept away by rampaging floodwater.

Part of Barangays Labuan, Maasin, Patalon, Limpapa, Sinunuc, Ayala, Talisayan, Campo Islam, Calarian and Recodo are also flooded. /jpv