by Jonny Barker, Staff Writer
A two-year-old girl tragically lost her life when their house reportedly collapsed due to strong winds in Barangay Taluksangay, Zamboanga City, on Saturday morning.
According to local authorities, the girl was struck by falling debris. She was taken to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive.
The severe weather in the city also led to power outages in several areas.
By 3 p.m. on Saturday, over 1,000 families had been evacuated from barangays affected by flooding, including Tumaga, Guiwan, Pasonanca, Putik, San Jose Gusu, Tugbungan, Taluksangay, Sta. Maria, and Tetuan.
Zamboanga faces significant challenges due to frequent flooding, exacerbated by its geographical location and climate patterns. Heavy monsoon rains and typhoons often lead to overflowing rivers and drainage systems, inundating residential areas and disrupting daily life. Poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure further compound the issue, as many areas lack proper drainage and flood control measures. The socio-economic impact is profound, with affected communities experiencing damage to homes, loss of livelihoods, and increased health risks from waterborne diseases. Efforts to address flooding in Zamboanga require a comprehensive approach, including improved infrastructure, effective urban management, and community awareness programs to mitigate the effects of this persistent problem.
