Bustos Dam water release aggravates Bulacan flooding

MALOLOS, Philippines — The continuous release of water from Bustos Dam is aggravating flooding in several towns in Bulacan, according to local officials.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) yesterday reported that Bustos Dam has been releasing water since 6 a.m. on Saturday last week.

Yesterday, Bustos Dam released water at around 8:45 a.m.

Local officials said Calumpit and Hagonoy, which serve as the catch basin of receding floodwater from Pampanga and Nueva Ecija before it flows to Manila Bay, are most affected.

Latest PDRRMO data shows that all 29 barangays in Calumpit remain flooded several feet deep.

In Hagonoy, eight barangays are still inundated with floodwater; Paombong, 14, and Bocaue, Marilao and Bulakan, two each.

The entire province of Bulacan was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday after it was hit by massive flooding due to heavy rains spawned by recent typhoons and enhanced by the southwest monsoon.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution declaring the calamity upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The declaration will ensure the immediate release of funds for relief and rehabilitation of affected areas.