ZAMBOANGA CITY — July 18, 2025 — The City Government of Zamboanga remains on heightened alert today as heavy rains and strong winds, triggered by the Southwest Monsoon, continue to lash the city, prompting the suspension of classes in all levels for both public and private schools.
City officials confirmed that Zamboanga is still experiencing unstable weather conditions, with flooding, fallen trees, and disrupted port operations reported in various parts of the city. In response, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) continues to operate under red alert status, coordinating closely with all 98 barangays for emergency monitoring, clearing, and rescue operations.
On Thursday afternoon, July 17, the city government suspended work in local government offices starting at 3:30 PM due to the deteriorating weather. However, essential offices remained operational, including the City Engineer’s Office, City Health Office, General Services Office, CDRRMO, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), which are leading response efforts on the ground.
Acting Mayor Beng Climaco convened an emergency meeting with key department heads to ensure coordinated action. Mayor Khymer Olaso, who is overseeing the city’s overall response, has mobilized both public and private resources — including his own trucks — to help ferry stranded individuals and deliver aid to affected communities.
Flooding, Landslides, and Evacuations Reported
Emergency personnel were dispatched Thursday afternoon to clear roads blocked by fallen trees after multiple calls were received by the CDRRMO Emergency Operations Center and 911. Meanwhile, the CSWDO reported that residents in the flood-hit barangays of Labuan, Recodo, and Layag-Layag in Talon-Talon were evacuated. Additionally, three families in Calarian were displaced due to a landslide.
Port Disruptions and Sea Incidents
The inclement weather has also disrupted port operations. As of 1:17 PM on Thursday, strong winds forced the delay and cancellation of several passenger vessels bound for Lamitan and Isabela. A boat was also reportedly grounded along R.T. Lim Boulevard due to rough sea conditions brought by strong winds and heavy surf.
City Government on Full Alert
Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, head of the CDRRMO, confirmed that all response teams are on full deployment and stand ready for further search, rescue, and relief operations. The local government continues to monitor rainfall levels, tide alerts, and other risk indicators to safeguard residents, particularly those in flood-prone and landslide-prone communities.
The public is advised to stay alert and follow advisories issued by the local government and weather authorities. Residents in low-lying areas are urged to evacuate when necessary and avoid crossing flooded streets and waterways.
For emergency assistance, citizens may contact the local hotline 911 or the City Disaster Office through their designated communication channels.
Stay safe, Zamboanga. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.