Heavy rains led to knee-deep flooding in Lemery, Batangas, submerging roads and stranding vehicles evening on June 23, 2024.
The Diversion Road in Barangay Malinis seemingly looked like a river. A video captured the gradual rise of water, showing a vehicle stalled in the middle of the flood.
Residents in Barangay Sambal Ilaya waded through knee-deep water, which remained high even after the rain had stopped.
By morning of June 24, vehicles were greeted with mud and debris, clogging the drainage systems.
In a gas station, piles of coconut husks, shells, and cut wood need to be cleaned up by the staff. According to them, it will take another two to three days before everything is completely cleared.
"Sobrang hirap po kasi napakakunat ng putik at makapal po, tapos ang dami pong tinik-tinik po," Mark Joseph Macatangay, a pump attendant, said.
"Bumigla ho 'yung dating niya [ng tubig baha] rito. Hindi namin nasarahan," Janno de Leon, another pump attendant, added.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Lemery used heavy equipment like backhoes and payloaders for the cleanup.
There were no reported casualties, and no residents had to be evacuated due to the rain.
Authorities said the floodwaters came from upland barangays and brought down debris.
"Ito po ay nagmula sa upland barangays, katulad doon sa San Isidro Taas-Ibaba, kung saan dito mismo bumababa sa bayan ng Lemery 'yung mga debris," Jesus Tolentino of MDRRMO Lemery, said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the rainfall was due to localized thunderstorms and not a typhoon.
FLOOD PRONE AREAS
Batangas City has identified seven barangays as flood-prone areas:
- Tabangao Ambulong
- Pinamucan Proper
- Libjo
- Balagtas
- Alangilan
- Calicanto
- Pallocan West
Marilou Ortega, a 39-year-old resident of Pallocan West, lives in a house by the creek. She has been living there since she got married in 2000. With the city experiencing intermittent rain, she fears for her family's safety and keeps their belongings ready for evacuation.
"Kasi po may bata ako, kapag po ganiyang naulan eh naalis na lang po kami talaga. Wala po talaga kami ibang mapupuntahan, pero kung meron po, hindi kami magtitiis dito. Kapag umuulan, bagyo, malakas po talaga ang tubig diyan," Ortega said.
Agapito San Juan and his family have lived under a bridge for over 20 years, in a home made of patched wood and iron sheets. Despite the dangerous conditions, they are accustomed to the location and do not fear bad weather.
"Sa karanasan ko, hindi naman talaga kami na-bakwit, dito na laang kami. Kung may malilipatan, bakit ga ho hindi, kung may lilipatang maayos-ayos, pero kung hindi ho komportable sa lilipatan, aydi dito na laang ho," San Juan said.
Barangay officials said they are prepared to help the residents with their needs during calamities.
"Tayo naman ay willing na umalalay sa lahat ng pangangailangan, ‘yun ang aming adhikain na tumulong," Romy Catilo, Chairman of Barangay Pallocan West, Batangas City, said.
Authorities said the flooding is often caused by clogged creeks due to debris.
"Mababang pagkakagawa ng bridge, pinag-aaralan na natin. Iko-coordinate natin sa tamang ahensya para kung sakali ay mapalitan, para kung sakali, hindi na sumasabit ‘yung mga debris," Rod Dela Roca, Chief of Batangas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said.
DECLOGGING
The barangay said they are now cleaning the creek to prevent flooding.
According to Batangas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), declogging the creeks and improving drainage systems help reduce the risk of flooding.
The Batangas CDRRMO urges residents to avoid disposing of garbage in the creeks to prevent blockages.
"Particular sa mga creek, bawal pong tapunan ng basura, yung mga plastic [at] styrofoam, lalo po yung mga galing sa appliances. Huwag po natin basta-basta i-dispose ito sa mga daluyan ng tubig na nagiging sanhi ng pagbara ng ating pong mga daluyan ng tubig," Dela Roca said.
(with reports from Denise Abante and Paul Hernandez, GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog)
