ZAMBOANGA CITY – More than 2,000 residents were forced to evacuate to safer grounds as strong rains battered this city on Wednesday, Jan. 11.
PAGASA hoisted a Yellow Warning Alert as strong rains brought about by a low-pressure area led to rising water levels in rivers and flooding in city streets.
The State weather bureau raised the alert status to orange due to incessant rains in the early afternoon.
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As of 12 noon, 2,540 individuals from 13 barangays have evacuated to evacuation centers or makeshift areas. The number is expected to rise as more people flee.
Assessment is still being conducted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Mayor John Dalipe has ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and barangay disaster teams to respond to emergency situations.
As of 10 a.m., water level at the Pasonanca diversionary dam has reached the critical level of 77.6 meters. Normal level is at 74.20 meters.
Several infrastructure projects were affected by the severe weather condition.
Barangay officials in Labuan have temporarily closed the Labuan Bridge due to structural damage caused by heavy rains and floods. The bridge is passable to motorists but is closed to heavy vehicles.
A portion of the road in Barangay Capisan collapsed due to strong rains.
The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) switched off power in more than 100 areas as it responds to places with severe flooding.
