67 Pampanga barangays reeling from floods

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Up to 67 barangays in Pampanga remained submerged in floodwaters spawned by the combined effects of tropical depressions Nando and Mirasol as well as Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) yesterday said that 40,301 families or 129,951 people were displaced by the floods as of Wednesday.

Aside from Nando, Mirasol and Opong, the flooding was exacerbated by the high tide and the southwest moonson, according to the PDRRMO.

The town of Masantol reported the highest number of displaced residents with 24,045 families composed of 75,943 people from 26 barangays.

Macabebe followed next with 11,495 families or 39,937 residents from 17 barangays.

In some low-lying communities, flooding reached up to about five feet, the PDRRMO said.

Up to 87 families or 288 pople are staying in 13 evacuation centers across the province.

Classes in public and private schools were suspended due to the calamity. Work in government offices in Macabebe was also suspended.

In Bulacan, the body of a victim of drowning was recovered yesterday morning in a river in Plaridel town.

Christopher Andrew Gatbalayan, 16, was found in Angat River, between the villages of Parulan and Banga.

The victim was last seen on Tuesday afternoon swimming with his three friends.

Witnesses said the victim was swept away by the current as the water suddenly rose.

Meanwhile, the dioceses of Legazpi in Albay, Daet in Camarines Norte and  Sorsogon will open their churches and chapels to accommodate people displaced by Opong, which was expected to make landfall in Bicol.

Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo said the opening of their churches, chapels and schools was made in coordination with local government units.

Dialogo said volunteers have been hired to assist the evacuees and help pack and distribute relief goods.

Before Opong makes landfall, parish bells will ring to remind residents to prepare for the storm.

Once the storm has made landfall, the parishes will give updates every two hours regarding the situation on the ground.

The dioceses also issued an oratio imperata or special prayers for protection from the storm. – Evelyn Macairan