Screengrab from Zamboanga LGU video
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso urged the public, particularly children, to avoid swimming in rivers during bad weather after a student drowned when floodwaters suddenly rose in the Tumaga River.
The warning came after six students were caught by rapidly rising water in Sitio Canucutan, Barangay Pasonanca, on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities said one of the students was swept away by the strong current and was later found along the riverbank in Barangay Tumaga. She was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Five other students survived after climbing onto a tree in the middle of the river while waiting to be rescued.
Rescuers from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and volunteers, including Olaso, carried out the rescue operation.
Investigators said the students had gone to the river for a swim after attending a dance rehearsal.
Heavy rains in the mountains triggered flash floods that caused the Tumaga River and its tributaries to swell within a short period.
Olaso said the tragedy should serve as a reminder for the public to stay away from rivers during inclement weather, even in areas that are usually considered safe for swimming.
