State of calamity in 2 towns, city

Pampanga, Bataan flooding

MANILA, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in Balanga City and Dinalupihan in Bataan as well as in Macabebe in Pampanga due to widespread flooding caused by monsoon rains.

The Bataan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said water rose up to three feet in Balanga and Dinalupihan.

At least 599 families or 2,680 people were brought to various evacuation centers in Balanga.

In Pampanga, the Sangguniang Bayan of Macabebe placed the town under a state of calamity after almost all villages were affected by flooding.

“This flooding affected the agri-fisheries sector... causing losses amounting to P53.69 million. It also caused damage to various infrastructure projects... with an estimated P433.1 million needed for rehabilitation,” a resolution passed by the municipal council read.

At least 29,176 families or 116,704 people were affected, 102 families or 399 people of whom remain in evacuation centers.

In Bulacan, the PDRRMO said 1,643 residents of low-lying areas in Bulakan, Calumpit, Malolos, Paombong, Hagonoy, Pulilan, Bocaue, Guiguinto, Balagtas and Obando evacuated their homes on Thursday night.

Water release from Bustos Dam and high tide aggravated flooding in the areas.

Agri damage hits P615.7 M

Meanwhile, damage to agriculture across the country due to the southwest monsoon, which was intensified by Typhoon Fabian, has increased to P615.72 million, data from the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center showed.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Thursday, the DA said 24,596 farmers and 30,916 hectares of agricultural areas were affected in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Bicol and Mimaropa. Production loss was placed at 9,777 metric tons.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas in Central Luzon is demanding livelihood subsidy and compensation, citing losses to fisheries and agriculture in the region at P100.8 million and P157 million, respectively. – Ric Sapnu, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Catherine Talavera, Rhodina Villanueva