1 dead, over 1,300 families displaced as floods hit Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY – One person died and 4 others were injured as heavy rain caused by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) triggered flooding in this city on Sunday, October 15.

The lone fatality was identified as Sonny Tajahari, 70 years old, a barangay zone leader in Labuan who drowned while evacuating.

A total of 1,302 families were also displaced.

Of the total number of affected families, 576 are from the west coast – 496 of which are from Labuan and are now temporarily staying at the Labuan Central School, while 80 families from Zones 5 and 6 of Barangay Ayala were evacuated to the Ayala gymnasium.

Citing reports from agencies, Task Force Zamboanga said around 150 houses were damaged – 100 in Labuan and 50 in Limpapa.

The Patalon Bridge was also partially damaged due to the strong water current. One side of the bridge is temporarily closed, while the other side is passable to light vehicles.

Emergency responders remain on standby as the ITCZ is expected to bring more rain to Mindanao and other parts of the country. – Rappler.com