ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Hundreds of residents were displaced after flash floods inundated late Monday three villages in a town of Zamboanga Sibugay province, according to the police.
Chief Superintendent Elpedio de Asis, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) director, said the flash flood occurred in the villages of Sto. Niño, Upper Tungawan, and Lower Tungawan, all in Tungawan Municipality.
Asis said the incessant rain late Monday caused the water to rise more than six feet and triggered the flash flood that hit the three villages.
The residents who have noticed the rising waters immediately evacuated to higher grounds as the flood waters swept their houses and rice fields.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office have yet to determine the exact number of displaced families but initially estimated around 300 families affected by the flash flood. The agency and some non-government organization have immediately extended relief assistance to the displaced residents in the town.