4 more die in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Four more people were reported to have died in flooded areas in this province, bringing the total number of flood-related deaths to 20.

At least 156 barangays in 15 Pampanga towns remain flooded, but officials said elections in these places would definitely push through on Sunday.

Daryll Manalang, of the provincial disaster coordinating council, identified the latest victims as Romeo Cala, 30, and Kir Alfonso, 5, both of Candaba, and Fe Guinto, 27, of Minalin, who all drowned; and Andres Roman, 13, who was bitten by a snake while wading in the floodwaters.

"We have prepared for the elections on Sunday and (they are) going to push through come hell or high water," said Artemio Lambino, provincial supervisor of the Commission on Elections.

He said floodwaters in Barangay San Nicolas in Lubao town where President Arroyo will cast her vote, have receded.

Manalang said floodwaters ebbed last Friday but Saturday night’s heavy downpour swelled them by one foot.

A total of 1,730 families or 8,203 people remain in 31 evacuation centers.

The Comelec suspended barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls in 10 towns and 19 barangays elsewhere in the province, as well as in four Bataan municipalities, due to the floods.

Only the towns of Magalang, Mabalacat, Sta. Rita, Floridablanca and Bacolor are not affected by floods, Manalang said. — Ding Cervantes