ANGELES CITY — Some 12 hours of non-stop heavy rains since Sunday night submerged areas formerly spared from flooding in Olongapo City, prompting local officials to seek the help of the US Navy and marines in ships docked at Subic Bay.
Acting mayor Rodel Cerezo announced as early as 4 a.m. yesterday the suspension of classes at all levels in the city, as waters abruptly rose at the approach of dawn.
Mayor Rolen Paulino who was in the US, confirmed to other local officials he sought the help of the US Ambassador Harry Thomas in Manila to allow US Navy crew on ships now docked at nearby Subic Bay to assist with rescue and relief efforts in the sudden flooding described as the worst flooding ever in Olongapo.
Three US Navy vessels with a combined total of around 4,000 American sailors and marines have remained docked at Subic freeport since last week.
The US vessels include the US Navy Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Boxer (LHD4), the Submarine Tender Ship USS Emory S. Land, a frequent Subic visitor, and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD18).
The second floors of homes were reached by the strong currents in Barangay Sta. Rita, parts of Barangay Mabayuan and other areas near the river channel, Barangays West Bajac Bajac, East Tapinac and Banicain, Cerezo reported.
The floods were reported to have suddenly swelled at about 5 a.m. yesterday. A major bridge in Barangay Sta. Rita was reported to be in danger of collapsing amid the strong currents that brought logs and other debris pounding on it. Also overtopped by strong currents were the bridges in Tabacuhan and Kalaklan.
Many local folk were reported to have sought help via social network, using their smart phones to access the internet.
