Floodwater lingers in Mangaldan homes for almost two weeks

Floodwater has remained inside some homes in Mangaldan, Pangasinan for nearly two weeks as the Payas Creek continues to overflow amid persistent rain.

Remy Lapore, a resident of Barangay Anolid, said some of their belongings have remained soaked in floodwater. They cannot clean their home because water continues to enter.

“Mahirap, halos hindi ka makakilos, lalo na ako senior. Naka-bota na ako kasi marumi ang tubig,” Lapore said.

(It’s difficult—you can barely move, especially since I’m a senior citizen. I’m already wearing boots because the water is dirty.)

Vergie Malasan, another resident, said the floodwater has also raised concerns about skin problems among residents.

“Naka-bota na ako kasi mahirap, magkaka-alipunga ka na, mahirap kapag baha,” Malasan said.

(I'm already wearing boots because it's difficult—you could get athlete's foot; dealing with floods is tough.)

The flooding has also affected Barangay Malabago, where a creek overflowed after continuous rain.

A school in Barangay Salay was also flooded.

The local government continues to monitor creeks and waterways across Mangaldan and is checking drainage canals. Officials said the volume of rain has overwhelmed the existing drainage system.

Mangaldan General Services Officer Aji Cabrera said the town needs a wider drainage plan while the local government works to clear waterways.

“Kailangan din ng comprehensive drainage system sa buong Mangaldan. Hindi naman ito overnight na magagawa. Ito ’yung ginagawa ng lokal na pamahalaan ngayon: lahat ng posibleng waterways, dini-declog, at ’yun din ang ginagawa ng Municipal Engineering,” Cabrera said

.(A comprehensive drainage system is also needed throughout Mangaldan. This is not something that can be accomplished overnight. This is precisely what the local government is currently doing—clearing obstructions from all possible waterways—and the Municipal Engineering office is doing the same.)

The local government also assured residents affected by the flooding that assistance would be provided.
—Jasmin Gabriel-Galban, GMA Regional TV News