MANILA, Philippines - Flashfloods have hit five villages in Zamboanga City due to incessant rains since Friday, which resulted in the cancellation of several flights and classes in the areas, Church official said on Monday.
Msgr.Cris Manongas, Archdiocese of Zamboanga administrator, said the heavy downpour since last week caused the Tumaga River to overflow, submerging in floodwater the villages of Sta.Catalina, Sta.Barbara, Rio Hondo, Casanyangan and Marique.
As a result, the prelate said that number of evacuees in various temporary shelters has risen because many of affected families by the recent standoff between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front fighters have yet to return to their homes.
"We have another set of evacuees ngayon, they have to be transferred kasi (the center) it is a low lying area and may mga evacuees pa from the flooding barangays," Msgr.Manongas told Radyo Veritas. Manongas also appealed to the public for additional relief for the evacuees.
"We would welcome any help that our friends can help us either through Diocese or through government. Manmade and natural calamities struck us and prayers also we would welcome any help," he said.