With rainwater pooling in front of her house, Lory Salvador, a resident of Mangaldan, was left with no choice but to cover the road with soil just so they could walk through.

The road in PNR West, Barangay Salay, Mangaldan, Pangasinan has been flooded for days.

Without proper drainage, rainwater has collected in the low-lying area, making it difficult for residents, especially students, to pass.

“Mahirap kasi walang madaanan, wala na rin kasing lalabasan ang tubig, kawawa kami dito,” Salvador said.

The temporary path made of soil has now become the main walkway, but residents must walk slowly to avoid slipping.

People also worry about health risks from wading through floodwater, such as leptospirosis and fungal infections.

“Sana magawan naman nila ng paraan,” Salvador added.

Last weekend, barangay officials dumped soil along interior roads to help ease the flooding. But without a proper drainage system, the water remains.

Barangay Salay officials said they are aware of the problem and are working on a more permanent solution.

“Nag-usap kami sa session namin at napag-usapang maglaan ng pondo para doon,” Barangay Councilman Victor Velasquez said.

So far, no leptospirosis cases have been reported in the barangay.