Zamboanga City Suspends Classes Due to Rains, Floods

Classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Zamboanga City were suspended on Thursday due to persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat), which caused flooding in parts of the locality. The order came from Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso, prioritizing public safety after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast cloudy skies with scattered rain showers. As of 8 a.m., the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ZCDRRMO) issued an advisory warning motorists and commuters to avoid the junction of Veterans Avenue leading to LTO Sta. Barbara and Southern City Colleges Main Campus due to ankle- to knee-deep floodwaters. ZCDRRMO Chief Elmeir Apolinario informed that while four-wheel vehicles could still pass, tricycles and single motorcycles risk stalling in submerged sections. Authorities encouraged everyone to use alternate routes whenever possible, drive with extreme caution, and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas unless absolutely necessary. Residents were reminded to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories, and utilize emergency hotlines for urgent situations. Apolinario emphasized that precautionary measures are necessary as scattered rains could trigger localized flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas. This event highlights the recurring challenge of monsoon-induced flooding in the Philippines, particularly affecting urban and coastal areas. For the Philippines, an economy heavily reliant on remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the impact of such natural disasters on daily life and economic stability is a significant concern. Japan-Philippines relations could see further cooperation in disaster risk reduction and infrastructure development to enhance resilience.