ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — The municipality of Kumalarang in Zamboanga del Sur is reeling from severe flooding caused by continuous heavy rains brought on by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), marking ADRA Philippines’ first emergency response of 2025.
On 15 May, the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA issued an alert on potential flash floods and landslides due to the intensified weather pattern. By 17 May, days of relentless rain had led to the overflowing of rivers and submerged entire barangays, prompting the local government to declare a State of Calamity.
Mayor Ruel Molina reported that floodwaters rose up to 2 meters in some areas, severely impacting five barangays—Sicade, Boyugan East, Poblacion, Gawil, and Bogayo. The disaster has affected 4,557 individuals (1,222 families), damaged over 44 hectares of farmland, and resulted in the loss of 81 livestock animals. The estimated economic damage stands at ₱2.46 million. Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed—a 66-year-old man who drowned in the rising waters.
In response, ADRA Philippines, in collaboration with the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission (ZPM) and its Adventist Community Services (ACS) Director Pastor Carmelito Asoy, launched a relief distribution operation. Food packs were provided to 600 affected families across seven zones in Kumalarang.
The emergency relief included ready-to-eat meals and rice, offering immediate support to communities who had lost access to markets, food supplies, and safe shelter. The assistance also prioritized vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant, and lactating women, aiming to reduce the risk of undernutrition in the aftermath of the disaster.
Photos courtesy of Hope Channel Zamboanga Peninsula
