1,000 families evacuated in Zamboanga City due to monsoon rains

Over 1,000 families in Zamboanga City have been evacuated due to heavy monsoon rains that began Friday morning, July 12.

The accumulated rainfall reached 170.2 mm from 8 a.m. on July 12 until 8 a.m. on July 13, and the number of affected families may still increase.

City disaster risk reduction and management officer Elmeir Apolinario confirmed that more than 1,000 families have been displaced from their homes.

Apolinario is verifying reports that four people from two families in Barangay Pamucutan were swept by raging waters, and five others in Barangay La Paz went missing after landslides.

Flood waters have not yet subsided in some villages, and seven fishing vessels ran aground in Barangay Maasin.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office activated its Emergency Operation Center and initiated rescue operations with the help of various government agencies and volunteer groups.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office provided essential supplies, while local officials visited evacuation centers to distribute food.