ZAMBOANGA CITY(November 11) — When heavy rains poured over the city on Sunday, November 9, more than 1,200 families had to leave their homes as floodwaters rose in low-lying communities.
Five evacuation centers were quickly opened in Pasonanca, Tugbungan, Guiwan, Sta. Maria, and Tumaga, where families spent the night safe but anxious, many bringing only what they could carry.
Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said city responders and barangay teams were on the ground as early as dawn, helping residents move to safety.
Community kitchens were set up by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to provide hot meals, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)–Zamboanga Peninsula distributed ready-to-eat food packs.
“We’re continuously monitoring all 98 barangays. Our priority is the safety and welfare of families who had to evacuate,” Apolinario said.
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) warned residents of low to no water pressure citywide due to high turbidity at the Pasonanca diversion weir, where water levels peaked at 76 meters—above the normal 74.2 meters—before slightly subsiding by mid-afternoon.
As the rains ease, local authorities are assessing the damage while reminding residents to remain alert, especially in flood-prone areas.
