RELIEF. Mayor John Dalipe (right) and Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja (not in photo) lead the distribution of relief goods on Sunday (Dec. 25, 2022) to families affected by flood in Zamboanga City. One was confirmed dead while 748 families in 10 villages were affected by flood due to incessant rains that started on Christmas eve. (Photo courtesy of City Hall PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have confirmed the death of one person while 748 families in 10 villages here were affected by flooding spawned by inclement weather on Christmas Day.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported that the lone fatality, who was not immediately named, was a resident of Barangay Mercedes where six houses were totally washed away by strong water currents following incessant rains that started on Christmas eve.
CSWDO chief, Ma. Socorro Rojas, said Monday that only those affected families from Barangay Putik remain at the evacuation center while 30 of the 40 flood-hit families from Barangay Guisao are temporarily housed at the barangay hall and school.
Meanwhile, a 14-year-old girl from Barangay Guisao suffered trauma injuries based on the report of the Emergency Operation Center under the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Rojas said the rest of the affected families preferred to stay in their respective homes.
She said her office has served food packs, water and sleeping kits to the affected families even as assessment and validation continue.
Rojas said Mayor John Dalipe and Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja led the distribution of food packs and other relief goods to the 100 flood-affected families at the Putik Central School evacuation center.
Meanwhile, the CSWDO head said the Office of Vice President Sarah Duterte is set to distribute food packs to those who are at the evacuation center. (PNA)
