Floods hit low-lying areas in Bataan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija

Heavy rains brought about by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by Tropical Depression Josie caused flooding over the weekend not just in Metro Manila, but also in provinces.

In Hermosa, Bataan, six barangays were flooded, according to a report on Balitanghali Weekend by Saleema Refran on Sunday.

In Barangays Almacen and Parayray, the water level reached over a man's height and up to the welcome arch of the two barangays.

The floodwaters reached chest level in Barangay Daungan.

The other flooded barangays were Pulo, A. Rivera, and Sto. Cristo.

YouScooper Dino Dominic Santos was able to take a video of the knee-deep flood on A. Rivera Street in Hermosa on Sunday as the creek nearby overflowed.

Residents are on the alert as the floodwaters may even rise further as heavy rains continue.

Personnel of the Hermosa Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office went around the flooded barangays aboard a speedboat to assist affected residents.

About 50 meters of a dike being constructed in Barangay Parayray were also damaged by the heavy rains.

Residents who had to go out of their houses found ways to do so. Some used boats, others went over walls and fences, while others walked on flooded roads.

Floodwaters also entered the Almacen Elementary School.

Residents stayed on the upper floors of their homes, bringing along their motorcycles and pets.

The local government sent relief goods to affected residents but these were not enough.

Orlando Balean, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer of Balanga, said the level of floodwaters is being monitored even as residents cope in whatever way then can.

Liga ng mga Barangay president Jason Enriquez said they are ready to assist in the rescue of residents if floodwaters continue to rise.

Meanwhile, traffic was heavy on the highway in Balanga City on Sunday as floodwaters reached the knee level.

Some vehicles stalled, while others turned around and went back.

At the Poblacion in Balanga, the flood was gutter-deep. 

Other provinces

La Paz in Tarlac was also flooded due to overnight rains.

The highway was not passable to light vehicles as the road was flooded.

Meanwhile, in Abra, part of the Provincial Road got buried in mud.

Some trees also fell and obstructed the road, inconveniencing motorists.

In Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, a big branch fell from a tree onto a road.

Only small vehicles could pass through as the road was not yet cleared as of posting time.

Meanwhile, in Licab, Nueva Ecija, more than 2,000 families were affected by floods.

About 3,500 hectares of rice fields also got flooded.

Residents said the floodwaters rose quickly since the dike was breached.

Meanwhile, a rockslide occurred on the Bontoc-Baguio Road.

Authorities continued to monitor the water level of the Chico River.

Motorists passing through Barangay Hucab in Kiangan, Ifugao were advised to be careful as some rocks fell onto the road.

At least 32 landslides and soil erosion incidents were recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region since Saturday.

Some 100 families were affected by the bad weather in Ifugao and Baguio City.

The local government is still verifying reports of two fatalities and one injured person in the area.

Four houses were damaged in Baguio City.

Two gates of the Ambuklao and Binga Dams were opened on Saturday afternoon to prevent overspill.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA forecast rains throughout the day in many areas. —KG, GMA News