by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
The Zamboanga City local government is considering declaring the city under a state of calamity once again due to the significant impact of recent severe flooding.
As of July 16, 2024, over 4,000 families in the city have been affected by the flood, resulting in six fatalities from landslides and drowning.
The Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) reported that approximately 392 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed, with the cost of the damage still being assessed.
The city officials are also evaluating the extent of damage to infrastructure, specifically a damaged riprap at a river in Barangay Tetuan caused by the flooding.
Five houses were completely destroyed, and 11 others were damaged as a result of the damaged riprap. The local government plans to provide assistance to more than 10 affected families.
Authorities have conducted an inspection of the area to determine the necessary repairs for the damaged riprap.
Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, the head of the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), mentioned that they will assess the situation in collaboration with the City Engineer’s Office and prioritize the reconstruction of the bridge area if funding permits.
Previously, the city had lifted the state of calamity declaration related to El Niño.
