Floods affect .33-M kabalens

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Unusual. This was how provincial officials described floods in at least 16 towns in Pampanga, which, in this city, swelled yesterday to five feet deep after just less than an hour of rain dumped by tropical depression "Jolina."

Weather forecasters said "Jolina" has remained stationary west of Iba, Zambales, but, coupled with typhoon "Pabuk,’" would induce more monsoon rains.

Authorities estimate that the floods have affected some 330,000 people in 210 barangays, some of them not normally prone to severe flooding.

"We are confirming reports that the Taug dike along the Abacan River in Angeles City was damaged, thus unleashing water that swelled floodwaters in San Fernando starting at midnight Saturday," said Fel Dueñas, a provincial disaster officer.

This city’s downtown area has become a virtual sea with all business establishments closed since Saturday. Bancas and rafts are the modes of transport.

President Arroyo visited Barangay San Pedro Cutud here the other day and handed out relief goods. She was assisted by her son, Vice Gov. Mikey Arroyo, and Gov. Lito Lapid whose 49th birthday fell on that day. — Ding Cervantes, Ric Sapnu