ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nearly 400 families evacuated at the height of heavy rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and low-pressure area here on Saturday, June 7.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office reported that 383 families or 1,186 individuals evacuated to safer grounds after floods submerged their communities.
A FLOODED street in Zamboanga City due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon. (Zamboanga City government photo)
Profiling of affected families continues as of posting time. Figures are expected to rise once the process is completed.
Major thoroughfares here were flooded while the water level at the Pasonanca Dam reached a high 76 meters as of 12:25 p.m., a level considered critical above normal. Normal water level is 74.20 meters.
Mayor John Dalipe ordered the deployment of rescue and social services teams to assist affected families. Most are staying at makeshift evacuation centers in barangays and multi-purpose covered courts.
A portion of the newly-constructed bypass road was closed due to erosion. CDRRMO teams continue their reports on destruction in some areas brought about by flooding and heavy rains.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration hoisted its yellow warning over Zamboanga City as of 5 p.m., with rainfall volume at 40.8 millimeters.