Marikina City, 2 Bataan towns under state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 6:04 p.m.) — Marikina City and a city and town in Bataan, Balanga and Dinalupihan, respectively, were placed under the state of calamity on Sunday following the continuous downpour due to Tropical Depression Josie.

After announcing the state of calamity in his city, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro also suspended classes in all levels for private and public schools on Monday, July 23.

Marikina’s Public Information Office recorded that some 1,333 families and 5,649 individuals have been evacuated as alert water level 2 remained hoisted over Marikina River.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency in Central Luzon said the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Balanga City, Bataan and the Municipal Government of Dinalupihan have declared a state of calamity on Sunday afternoon due to floods.

The PIA in Central Luzon said the city government of Balanga is currently mobilizing all barangay officials for possible evacuation of residents. It advised residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to a two-story building or house for safety.

Bataan National High School and Bataan People's Center were opened to accommodate evacuees.

Meanwhile, Dinalupihan Mayor Gila Garcia also said rescue operations are ongoing in his area.

The state weather bureau earlier issued a heavy rainfall warning over Bataan. It warned residents of serious flooding in flood-prone areas.

The PIA in Central Luzon reported that roads in front of the ICMC Hospital and in front of Pan Resort in Balanga, Bataan were no longer passable due to floods.

Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin Remulla also placed the whole province of under state of calamity.

Three towns in Ifugao and Dagupan City in Pangasinan were also placed under a state of calamity amid widespread flooding and landslides due to heavy rains in the past several days. Respective town councils of Lagawe, Asipulo and Lamut in Ifugao declared the state of calamity last week. — Rosette Adel