Manila: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, the female student, who was swept by rampaging water, was found on 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 triggered flash floods in tributaries, including the Tumaga River. The other students were rescued by a joint team comprising the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and other volunteers, including Olaso, who is also a trained rescuer.

The students managed to climb onto a tree in the middle of the river, while one of them was swept away by the raging water as she tried to swim towards the riverbank. Reports indicated that the students went swimming after their dance rehearsal.

The section of the Tumaga River in Barangay Pasonanca is a popular swimming spot for locals due to its cold, crystal-clear water.