Authorities are investigating a sudden explosion at a water pumping station in Barangay Mangga, Candaba, Pampanaga, which left five people hospitalized, including a senior citizen and two children.

According to the Candaba Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 24 families or 101 individuals were affected by the incident.

“May apat na damaged na houses at isang partially damaged na house. Tapos ‘yung mga apektado naman ng flashflood — ‘yung pinasukan ng tubig ‘yung bahay — nasa 11 houses po ‘yun, so nabasa po ‘yung mga gamit nila,” Galen Gumabon, LDRRMO III of Candaba DRRM Office, said.

Due to the explosion, water supply in nine barangays was temporarily cut off for nearly 24 hours, specifically: Barit, Talang, Tenejero, Dalayap, Mangga, Pulong Palazan, Bahay Pare, Dulong Ilog, and Paligui.

In a Facebook advisory, Pamana Water Candaba apologized for the disruption and assured residents that they worked non-stop to restore water service.

The company asked for continued understanding from their consumers as authorities conduct a full assessment of the damages.