MANILA, Phillippines – The city government of Zamboanga conducted relief operations to affected families following the declaration of state of calamity in the city.
As of Thursday, October 19, the massive floods and storm surge had displaced a total of 3,666 families with 18,330 dependents in 17 coastal barangays.
At least 7 people were reported dead, 158 houses totally destroyed, while 327 other houses were partially damaged. (READ: Storm Surge 101: Are you at risk? Are you prepared for it?
In cooperation with the Zamboanga City government, the military and the Bureau of Fire Protection frontlined the rescue operations in flooded barangays.
Relief operations
Responding to the needs of those affected by the massive flooding, Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod spearheaded a series of relief operations since Sunday, October 15.
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Nongovernmental organizations like Red Cross Youth (RCY) and Rotary Zamboanga West also initiated relief operations in far-flung communities.
RCY-Zamboanga distributed relief goods for families in Barangay Sinunuc while Rotary Zamboanga West brought boxes of instant noodles to evacuation centers.
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The Zamboanga City Council declared a state of calamity in the city on Thursday, upon the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. The local DRRM office cited the extensive damage to agriculture and infrastructure caused by the massive floods and storm surge triggered by the intertropical convergence zone.
More rain is expected in Zamboanga City due to Typhoon Paolo (Lan). – Rappler.com
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