ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) – Zamboanga City experiences inclement weather with heavy rainfall which causes flooding in some areas of the city. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRMO) Officer Dr. Elmeir Apolinario recommends calling off classes and work today (Jan. 11).

The local forecast from PAGASA-DOST hoisted yellow warning signal in the city due to cloudy skies with scattered and heavy rain showers and thunderstorms over Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi brought by LPA/Shearline. Residents, specifically those residing along riverbanks are requested to be extra vigilant, be wary of the rising water level in rivers and to take extra measures to protect lives and properties.

Mayor John Dalipe orders suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private schools, in Zamboanga City today. The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC) are directed to continuously monitor situation in their respective areas particularly those susceptible to floods, landslides and storm surge. People are asked to heed BDRRMC advisories for emergencies and to prevent incidents in their areas.

Meanwhile, as of 10:20am today (Jan. 11) water level at the Pasonanca intake dam has reached highly critical stage of 77.6 meters. Normal water level is 74.20 meters. Some families living near the riverbanks are now evacuated. The rescue teams and volunteers are also continuously on the field to help evacuate families that are now stranded in some barangays.

The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative Inc. also reported the areas that were switched off due to flood-related concerns. Their troubleshooters, maintenance team, and backups are already on-site and currently coordinating with the barangay for clearance for the switch-on. This may take some time as other areas are still submerged in high levels of water.

For Zamboangaeños with emergencies and in need of rescue, please contact the following numbers of the ZCDRRMO HOTLINE NUMBERS: 955-9601, 990-1171. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER: 0966-731-6242, 0955-004-3682, 0928-896-6279. (NBE/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City/with reports from Zambo City Gov’t-LGU)