1,800 families displaced by Zamboanga del Norte floods

More than 9,000 persons or about 1,800 families were affected by floods caused by continuous rains in Zamboanga del Norte.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said a total of 9,465 persons or 1,855 families have been affected by floods, which hit two towns and one city.

A total of 4,205 persons have been affected in barangays San Jose, Olingan, Biwan, Lugdungan, Punta, Dicayas, Gulayon and Turno in Dipolog City.

At least 4,660 persons were affected in barangays Pian, Poblacion South, Labrador, Guinles, Obay, Anastacio, Villahermosa, Lingasad and Poblacion North in Polanco town.

Meanwhile, 600 persons were affected in barangay Basagan in the municipality of Katipunan

No casualties were reported as of Friday.

The flood occurred 1 a.m. Thursday and caused the rivers in Polanco National Highway Guilles to overflow. Water levels in barangays Sto. Nino, Basagan, Mulagas and Lugdungan in Katipunan town reached waist-high or about four feet. 

Affected families have been evacuated to barangay halls, schools and higher grounds.

NDRRMC said response teams and the local governments are now providing assistance to affected residents.

Local disaster management officials are continuously monitoring the situation in flood-hit areas. - Alexis Romero