56,000 affected as floods worsen in Pangasinan

Rescue teams in Pangasinan are using boats and trucks to evacuate residents as widespread flooding affects more than 56,000 people, with some communities facing deep water and strong currents.

The Calasiao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) continued rescue operations in Barangays Gabon and Mancup, where residents became stranded by floodwaters. Authorities have deployed rescue boats because of strong water currents.

The MDRRMO said 21 barangays in Calasiao were flooded, affecting more than 56,000 individuals.

In Dagupan City, rescue trucks also continued to patrol flooded communities and evacuate residents.

In Barangay Pogo Grande, some areas became difficult to pass through as floodwaters rose above waist level.

Freddie Jacinto, a resident, said some parts of the community were already deeply flooded.

“Mayroon pa doon sa dulo, malalim. Lagpas sa baywang,” he said.

(There is some more at the edge, it's deep. It's past the waist.)

Residents in Barangay Lasip Grande also continued to evacuate as floodwaters rose and strong currents made movement dangerous.

Barangay Councilman Max Maramba warned residents about the conditions, particularly near a school.

“Pahirapan po kasi mataas ang tubig at malakas ang current ng tubig. Doon sa tapat ng school, 'yun ang malakas ang current, malalim pa. Delikado po,” he said.

(It's difficult since the water is high and the current is strong. The current is strongest at the front of the school and it's deep. It's dangerous.)

Residents said floodwaters had reached chest level in some inner areas, with strong currents making it difficult to move around.

The latest city disaster office report showed 593 families, or 1,753 people, were staying in various evacuation centers, including Dagupan City National High School.

Linda Marquez, an evacuee, said rescuers used a large truck to bring her family to safety.

“Masyadong mataas 'yung tubig sa amin sa bahay. Ni-rescue po kami isang truck na malaki,” she said.

(The waters at house rose is very high. The large truck rescued us.)

Some roads in Dagupan City have also become unusable because of the high floodwaters, forcing motorists to leave their vehicles along barangay roads.

Bobby Maramba, a motorist, said some areas were already too deep for vehicles to pass.

“Malalim na po sa looban. Wala na tayong magagawa, alangan na 'di natin i-aano, sayang yung mga tricycle,” he said.

(The water is high inside the city. We can't do anything, we can't risk the tricycles.)

Authorities continued monitoring the flooded communities and carrying out rescue and evacuation operations, as of posting. —Sendee Salvacio, GMA Regional TV News