ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 19 -- Mayor Khymer Olaso here on Sunday urged the public, especially children, to refrain from swimming in rivers during inclement weather to avoid accidents such as drowning.

Olaso issued the advice after a female student from a local school drowned, while five others were rescued, as the water in the Tumaga River in Sitio Canucutan, Barangay Pasonanca, suddenly swelled around 3 p.m. Saturday.

The female student, who was swept by rampaging water, was found in the riverbank in Barangay Tumaga and was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

"Lessons learned for everyone. Do not go swimming in rivers during inclement weather," Olaso told reporters in an interview.

Heavy rains in the mountains trigg...