BALANGA CITY — The sangguniang panlalawigan on Sunday afternoon passed a resolution, approved by Gov. Albert Garcia, declaring the entire province of Bataan under state of calamity after flash floods brought by heavy rains engulfed many areas.
Many portions of both the MacArthur and Roman highways became impassable to all types of vehicles like in Samal town where people walked through the flooded road.
Ibaba, Santa Lucia, Daan Bago East and West, San Juan, San Roque, Tabing-Ilog, Sapa, East and West Calaguiman, all barangays in Samal were in deep flood waters.
None of the 11 towns and one city was spared from the onslaught of heavy rainfall caused by Typhoon Josie worsened by the southwest monsoon.
Plaza Mayor, the commercial district and surrounding villages in Balanga City were submerged in flood waters.
In Hermosa, six villages were submerged in flood from two feet to more than six feet deep.
Three barangays in Mariveles were flooded from one-half feet to three feet.
Reports showed that rescue operations were ongoing in Balanga City and the town of Dinalupihan which were earlier declared under the state of calamity.
Classes in all levels, both public and private, and work in government offices, except those involved in rescue operations, in the province were suspended Monday.
