Floods, landslides kill 15 in Zamboanga Peninsula

Flooding and landslides as a result of heavy rains this past week took its toll on the Zamboanga Peninsula, killing 15 people and adversely affecting over 37,000 people, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported yesterday.

Reports collated by the NDRRMC revealed nine fatalities in Zamboanga City; three more in Zamboanga Sibugay; and two in Zamboanga del Norte.

The NDRRMC identified the fatalities in Zamboanga City as Sonny Sajahari, 65; Nadimar Amil, 17; Erson Bernon, 9; Antonio Cellado, 40; and, Ruben Abao, 22. All of them died of drowning.

Nasir and Nursilin Sajili died after they were pinned to death by an uprooted tree; Sifhitri Indanan died of electrocution; while Mansur Failan was hit by lightning, the NDRRMC said.

In Zamboanga del Norte, Nicasio Pagat, of Labason town died of drowning while Aina Pangilan was also reported fatality in Sibuco town, the NDRRMC report said.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, Arman Camacho of Buug town and 16-yearold Ariel Villaronte, of Malangas town died of drowning. On the other hand, Maridel Terrano, of Imelda town died in a landslide, it added.

In addition, the Police Regional Office for Zambaonga Peninsula (PRO9) confirmed yesterday the death of a five-year-old boy buried alive in the landslide that hit La Victoria, also in Imelda town.

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said a total of 4,747 families or 23,279 persons were adversely affected by the weather disturbance in Zamboanga City, while 1,341 families or 6,621 persons were affected in Sibuco town of Zamboanga del Norte.

A total of 1,597 families or 7, 535 persons were affected in Siocon town of Zamboanga del Norte while 63 families or 315 persons were displaced in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Several houses, schools, sea walls and other establishments were damaged as a result of the flooding, heavy rains and strong winds spawned by a low pressure area which was enhanced by typhoon Paolo which is already out of the country.

More than 45 million were reported damage in Zamboanga City while damage assessment is still being conducted in other affected areas.

Last Saturday, Zamboanga City has already declared a state of calamity due to the massive damage caused by floods from last week’s typhoon Paolo and a low-pressure area. (With a report from Nonoy E. Lacson)