Backflood, high tide inundate 71 Bulacan villages

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains dumped by the southwest monsoon inundated 71 villages in Bulacan yesterday.

The provincial disaster risk reduction management office (PDRRMO) said the deepest floods were monitored in Barangays Meysulao and Gugo in Calumpit town, with floodwaters reaching up to five feet.

Calumpit had the highest number of flooded barangays, followed by Guiguinto, Paombong, Hagonoy, Balagtas and Plaridel.

A total of 1,589 families or 5,511 people are currently seeking shelter in 47 evacuation centers, the PDRRMO said.

Classes have been suspended in all levels in both private and public schools in Balagtas, Baliwag, Malolos, Marilao, Norzagaray, Obando, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Jose del Monte, Santa Maria and Pandi.

In Pampanga, Gov. Lilia Pinedaon ordered the forced evacuation of residents in high-risk areas in the province as heavy rains continue. Some 3,400 families are now in 203 evacuation centers.

Pineda has also directed emergency responders to be on high alert status.

In Olongapo, a Chinese national and two Filipinos were buried in a landslide inside the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority yesterday.

SBMA vice president Armie Llamas said they were already retrieved and taken to James Gordon Hospital.

Meanwhile, a portion of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge in Barangay San Isidro, Tarlac collapsed Friday night following heavy rains.

An initial assessment from the Department of Public Works and Highways said the bridge’s foundation was damaged due to strong current from the Tarlac River. Nobody was hurt in the incident.

Motorists were advised to take alternative routes such as the Agana Bridge as the DPWH and the city government are managing traffic in the area. — Emmanuel Tupas, Ric Sapnu