ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP) — Flash flooding in the southern Philippines has swept away thatched houses and forced at least 5,000 people to flee their homes, relief officials said Wednesday.
No deaths were reported, although at least 20 children, including five infants, reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Rain that began earlier this week caused a river to overflow, flooding parts of Vitali, just outside Zamboanga, said city social services officer Francisco Baredo. Zamboanga is 530 miles south of Manila.
Relief officials estimated at least 900 thatched houses were swept away or blown down by the wind.
Flooding also damaged hundreds of acres of crop land and fish ponds. Agriculture officials estimated at least $395,000 worth of rice was destroyed.