Floods Displace Over 129,000 in Pampanga Amidst Tropical Storms and Monsoon Rains

In Pampanga, Philippines, persistent flooding continues to impact 67 barangays as the combined effects of Tropical Depressions Nando and Mirasol, along with Severe Tropical Storm Opong, have caused widespread inundation. The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) reported that as of Wednesday, approximately 40,301 families or 129,951 individuals have been displaced by the rising floodwaters.

These severe weather conditions were further intensified by the high tide and the southwest monsoon, exacerbating the flooding situation, according to the PDRRMO.

The municipality of Masantol recorded the highest number of displaced residents, with 24,045 families or 75,943 people affected across 26 barangays. Following Masantol, Macabebe saw 11,495 families, totaling 39,937 individuals, displaced in 17 barangays. Flood levels in some low-lying areas have reportedly reached up to five feet.

Currently, 87 families, representing 288 persons, are accommodated in 13 evacuation centers throughout the province. Due to the calamity, classes in both public and private schools have been suspended, and local government offices in Macabebe have ceased operations temporarily.

In neighboring Bulacan, authorities recovered the body of a 16-year-old drowning victim, Christopher Andrew Gatbalayan, from the Angat River in Plaridel. He was last seen swimming with friends before being swept away by a sudden rise in water levels.

Meanwhile, anticipation of Severe Tropical Storm Opong's landfall in the Bicol region has prompted the dioceses of Legazpi, Daet, and Sorsogon to open their churches and chapels as evacuation centers. Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo confirmed that this initiative is coordinated with local government units and includes the deployment of volunteers to assist evacuees and manage relief distribution.

The dioceses will conduct parish bell ringing to alert residents to prepare ahead of the storm, with updates provided every two hours during the event. Special prayers, known as oratio imperata, have also been issued to seek protection from the storm’s impact.