close to a thousand families affected by floods

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, SEPT. 24 (PIA) - - as of 1:45 this afternoon, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has recorded close to a thousand families affected by floods brought about by typhoon Lawin.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat who presided over the CDRRMC emergency meeting held early this afternoon said the family-victims of flooding are now being housed at various evacuation centers.

As of press time, 10 barangays were recorded to be affected with the flooding. These include Labuan, Patalon, San Jose Gusu, Baliwasan, Sta Cruz Island, Vitali, Tictapul, Mangusu, Divisoria and Tugbunagn.

Lobregat said, the number of affected families continue to rise as there are still people coming in to the evacuation centers.

Immediate help such as food and medical assistance were given to affected families.

Lobregat said agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Air Force, and coast guard were mobilized for rescue operations. Rubber boats were also deployed to rescue those who were stranded in their homes due to heavy flooding.

Meanwhile, a 5 year old child identified as Mark Anthony Maliari of Barangay Labuan died when strong winds caused a “kapo” tree to fall on him 12:45 dawn. The child was immediately brought to a hospital where he expired around 2:00am. (JPA/PIA9-ZBST).