DINALUPIHAN, Bataan – Town officials on Saturday placed this town under state of calamity after 36 of its 46 barangays were flooded affecting more than 12,000 families.
Mayor Joel Payumo said the heavy flooding they experienced was caused by the overflow of water from seven major rivers. “This was the first time in many years that all our rivers at one time overflowed,” he said.
After inspecting the flooded areas, Payumo met with heads of various agencies assisting the municipality in evacuation, rescue and relief operations.
He said that concerned villages were taking care of evacuees in their respective areas. The mayor spelled out plans to undertake, if needed, forced evacuation of families near river banks.
Flood water in some low-lying areas rose to waist-deep. The national Road at the Layac junction that serves as entry to the Subic Bay Freeport, Olongapo City and Zambales was no longer passable to light vehicles.
The rescue team of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority led by Maj. Rolando Cese used a rubber boat in helping residents cross the turbulent waters in barangay Pentor.
Soldiers of the 24th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army helped in the preparation of sandbags and actual sandbagging operation to stop the overflow of rivers.
