LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — With damage to agriculture and infrastructure due to widespread flooding initially estimated at over P1 billion, Pangasinan was placed under a state of calamity yesterday.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved a resolution declaring a state of calamity, saying the entire province and “numerous” individuals were “gravely affected” by flooding.
Around 300 barangays in Pangasinan were reportedly submerged in flood water due to heavy rains spawned by Tropical Depressions Inday and Josie and enhanced by the southwest monsoon.
In special sessions over the weekend, the city council of Dagupan and Sangguniang Bayan of Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, San Carlos, Bugallon, Mangatarem, Bani and Lingayen approved resolutions placing their respective areas under a state of calamity.
More than 10,000 families or 43,334 persons were affected by flooding, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
In Dagupan, Mayor Belen Fernandez said the high tide aggravated flooding in the city yesterday.
On Sunday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan and Cavite passed resolutions declaring a state of calamity also due to widespread flooding.
At least two major highways in Bataan – MacArthur and Roman – were reportedly submerged in floodwater while power supply in the province was cut off.
A report on news. abs-cbn.com said the towns of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Pilar, Orion and Mariveles were inundated. Flooding was also reported in Morong, Bagac and Limay.
Classes in all levels were suspended in Bataan, Cavite and Pangasinan yesterday.
Meanwhile, five fishermen reported missing after they ventured into the West Philippine Sea on July 18 were rescued in Ilocos Sur yesterday.
Yvin Lopez, 27; Minandro, 37, and Jerick, 22, both surnamed Caasi; Ranillo Campaña, 32, and Bunso Vergara, 44, all residents of Barangay Concordia in Bolinao, Pangasinan, were brought to a hospital for treatment.
The motorboat of the fishermen reportedly capsized after it was hit by strong waves. – With Jun Elias