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ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/02 September) – Six houses made of light materials were swept away while two others were partially damaged by rampaging waters from the swollen Curuan River following torrential rains in the mountains Saturday afternoon, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), said.
Francisco Barredo, CSWDO head, also reported that 194 families with a total of 776 dependents were affected by the sudden rise of the water in several sitios in Barangay Curuan and the neighboring area of Barangay Quiniput.
Barredo’s office distributed water, bread, sardines, rice and other foodstuff to the affected victims.
Mayor Celso Lobregat rushed to Barangay Curuan, a trading center in the city’s east coast, as soon as hew as informed about the flash flood.
A rescue team of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council immediately proceeded to the area. Coast Guard rubber boats were also dispatched along with personnel from the police, Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection and Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative.
The floodwaters reached waist-deep in some parts, particularly at the Curuan center, but receded immediately.
Barredo recommended the immediate grant of financial assistance to those whose houses were destroyed. (MindaNews)