Thousands flee Zamboanga flash floods

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Thousands of residents here were evacuated as flash floods inundated 11 barangays due to incessant rains caused by the southwest monsoon, disaster officials announced yesterday.

The local weather bureau said the southwest monsoon was enhanced by Tropical Storm Marilyn.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) said forced evacuation was implemented to prevent casualties.

Clint Senosa, CDRRMO officer, said several infrastructures were damaged.

City social welfare officer Socorro Rojas said 745 families or 3,725 individuals were evacuated to high grounds.

Officials said four houses were destroyed when a creek collapsed in Sitio Pasay in Barangay San Roque.

The displaced residents are temporarily taking shelter at covered courts in different barangays. They were given food and relief assistance.