In Zamboanga City, thousands displaced due to floods

Social workers profile the displaced families staying in an evacuation center in Zamboanga City on Saturday, July 13, 2024. PHOTO FROM ZAMBOANGA CITY DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Thousands of families were displaced and temporarily seeking shelter in barangay halls, elementary schools, and covered courts as the city experienced heavy rains since Friday morning, July 12.

Elmeir Apolinario, city disaster risk reduction and management officer, said initial reports from barangay officials showed that more than 1,000 families have been displaced from their homes due to floods.

“Heavy rains caused by the southwest monsoon and we have accumulated rainfall of 170.2 mm from 8 a.m. on July 12 until 8 a.m. on July 13. The number of affected families may still increase,” Apolinario said.

READ: Canceled flights: Bad weather affects Manila-Zamboanga route

He also said they are verifying reports that four people from two families in Barangay Pamucutan were swept by raging waters, while five others in Barangay La Paz went missing after the landslides on Friday.

As of Saturday afternoon, flood waters have not yet subsided in some villages of the city like in Barangay Putik.

Captain Larry Cendaña, Coast Guard station commander in this city, confirmed seven fishing vessels ran aground on Friday afternoon in Barangay Maasin, some 13 km from the city proper. These are FB Lourdes C XVII, FB Voyager, FB Sacred Heart, FB Atreo Shadrach, FB Timothy, MT Khalila and Ethan 88.

“All crew from the seven vessels were safe on board when the boats ran aground,” Cendaña said.

He also announced the suspension of voyages for all types of vessels and watercraft plying from Zamboanga City to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi on Saturday, July 13, “in order to avert maritime accidents.”

“Voyage of vessels shall resume upon improvement of weather and sea conditions,” Cendaña said.

As of 9 a.m. on Saturday, local authorities said 1,370 families are staying in evacuation centers in the villages of San Jose Gusu, Patalon, Sinubong, Talisayan, Cawit, Ayala, Baliwasan, Tumaga, Pasonanca, Tetuan, Sangali, and Putik.