Pampanga River overflows, floods more villages

The Pampanga River has overflowed, causing widespread flooding across multiple villages in Pampanga province, Philippines. As of Friday, the number of affected villages has risen to 276, up from 234 just two days earlier. The flooding spans 19 towns and cities, impacting nearly a million people, specifically 982,100 individuals belonging to 307,879 families. According to recent reports, 55 percent of Pampanga's total 505 villages are now under water. The 261-kilometer-long Pampanga River, which serves as a drainage system for 30 river networks in Central Luzon, has breached its banks in several areas. Overflow has been noted in parts of Arayat, Candaba, Apalit, and Sasmuan. Coastal regions near the mouth of Manila Bay, such as Macabebe and Masantol, have also been hit hard by rising waters. The Pampanga River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center has issued alerts to local officials in these areas, urging them to stay vigilant as water levels continue to climb. In response to the crisis, the local government of Apalit has taken proactive measures by advising the preemptive evacuation of residents in seven villages. This comes amid reports of severe flooding in certain areas, where water levels reached up to six feet in some locations and as high as 20 feet in San Agustin, Candaba. Residents described how floodwaters from the Candaba swamp have merged with the river, exacerbating the situation. To accommodate displaced residents, 181 evacuation centers have been set up, providing shelter to 2,892 families or 10,405 individuals. Additionally, 2,577 families or 11,491 individuals outside these centers are receiving aid. Government support, primarily through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has amounted to approximately P111.2 million in the form of food supplies for affected families. The economic toll of the flooding is substantial. Damage estimates include P921.8 million in crop losses, P496.5 million in fisheries, and P11.9 million in livestock losses. These damages affect more than 10,000 farmers and fisherfolk. Infrastructure damage has also been recorded, with 50 dikes, canals, and bridges reported to be damaged. Governor Lilia Pineda has called upon Japanese consultants collaborating with the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite their flood mitigation studies. She has also requested the expansion of the retaining area of the Cong Dadong Dike in Arayat for irrigation purposes. Furthermore, she has advocated for the construction of dikes and pump stations in Macabebe and Masantol to better manage future flooding risks. The ongoing flooding highlights the vulnerability of Pampanga's communities to extreme weather conditions. With the rainy season still underway, authorities are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and preparing for potential further developments. The impact of this flooding will likely be felt for weeks, with recovery efforts needing sustained attention and resources.