PWD Dies After Slipping in Creek; 1,300 Families Affected by Severe Flooding in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur

By Sherman Calotes | Mindanao People’s Press 

KUMALARANG, Zamboanga del Sur — A 66-year-old person with disability (PWD) from Barangay Diplo tragically lost his life on Saturday night after slipping and hitting his head on a rock while crossing a creek amid inclement weather.

According to Jay Emanuele Lucson, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) of Kumalarang, the victim’s body was recovered on Sunday morning, several meters away from the site of the incident.

The fatality occurred as heavy rains triggered flash floods across the municipality, affecting nearly 1,300 families in four barangays. The downpour, which began Saturday, overwhelmed waterways and caused widespread disruption to local communities.

One of the worst-hit areas was Barangay Boyugan East, where a section of the river control structure was severely damaged. A video released by the Kumalarang Municipal Information Office shows the extent of the destruction, with large portions of the river embankment reduced to rubble by the raging floodwaters.

Suharto Ali, the municipal information officer, disclosed that the project had not yet been officially turned over to the local government and barangay authorities. He raised concerns over the construction quality of the river control structure, asserting that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should hold the contractor accountable for what he described as substandard workmanship that may have worsened the flooding.

"The poor construction may have contributed significantly to the intensity of the flood's impact. Accountability is necessary," Ali stated.

In response to the crisis, the local government unit (LGU) has initiated relief operations, distributing food packs and other essentials to affected families. However, Lucson emphasized that additional support is needed, appealing to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office for continued assistance.

Most evacuees have since returned to their homes after temporarily staying in evacuation centers from Saturday night until Sunday.

The Kumalarang LGU continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with national agencies to expedite recovery efforts and prevent further incidents amid the ongoing rainy season.