NLEX traffic eases, but surrounding Pampanga areas remain flooded

Traffic at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has eased after a week of congestion, but a buildup of vehicles remains in the Tulaoc Bridge area in San Simon, Pampanga.

Vehicle traffic in the area could stretch for about a kilometer and persist throughout the afternoon, according to a report by Vonne Aquino on “24 Oras Weekend” on Saturday.

The third lane of the Tulaoc Bridge remains closed to prevent floodwaters from entering the roadway. Authorities are still working to keep the water from reaching the main road.

Compared with the flooding last week, however, water levels on several roads in Pampanga have already receded.

Several areas in the province, however, remain flooded.

In Minalin, Pampanga, Lynneth Manansala has been unable to return home for a week after evacuating. Her parents now also need to be evacuated.

Although the water level has decreased, floodwaters remain knee-deep in some areas.

The CDCP Road, located along the boundary of San Simon and Minalin, remains vital to residents as it provides access to Santo Tomas and Apalit.

One family was seen packing their belongings to return to Cagayan de Oro because of the prolonged flooding.

“Dalawang buwan na ata ito. Walang hupa-hupa. Uwi na kami,” Toni Macabuhay said. (It has been two months. The water has not receded. We are going home.)

Tricycle driver Robert Masangkay said he spent P10,000 to raise his vehicle to make it suitable for use in the floodwaters. He also expressed frustration over the lack of a solution to the flooding.

“May solusyon, kaso ayaw nilang solusyunan,” Masangkay said. (There is a solution, but they do not want to solve it.)

Free rides have been deployed in the area, with some vehicles also being used to distribute relief goods.

The Minalin disaster response team said all 15 barangays in the municipality remain flooded.

As of 11 a.m. Saturday, 800 families were staying in evacuation centers. — Jean Mangaluz/MCG, GMA News