The local government of Calasiao has declared a state of calamity as floods continue to affect thousands of families and submerge entire communities following days of heavy rains.
According to the Calasiao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), at least 21 barangays have been submerged as of 11 a.m. on July 23, 2025.
The floodwaters reached as high as six feet in some areas.
“Hanggang six feet above, lagpas taong tubig baha,” Kristine Joy Chan Soriano, spokesperson of the Calasiao DRRM Office, said.
“Mula po kagabi ay mayroon po tayong bulk ng rescue operations sa Barangay Mancup at Lasip. Simula pa kagabi hanggang ngayon ay ongoing pa rin ang ating rescue operations,” she added.
The MDRRMO hotline has been receiving nonstop calls since the night before from residents seeking help as water levels rose inside their homes.
Emergency teams from the PDRRMO WASAR unit, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Red Cross, and the Philippine Army are assisting in the rescue and evacuation efforts.
Many residents have been brought to the Calasiao Sports Complex, which now shelters 87 families or 388 individuals.
“Malalim po ang baha, lagpas tao. Iyong bahay naabot na ang sahig, wala na kaming matulugan,” Gemma Bularda, one of the evacuees, said.
As of the latest data from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), around 10,236 families have been affected by the floods.
To help displaced children cope with stress, the local government has set up a children’s space at the evacuation center.
“We are conducting psycho-social support po sa ating mga displaced families. At the same time, iyong ating mga bata, may children’s place po tayo for them para nagka-conduct tayo ng storytelling, games to ventilate mga emotions nila,” Suzanne April Catungal-Pineda, Social Welfare Officer II of the Calasiao LGU, said.
The Marusay-Sinucalan River continues to overflow.
Relief goods and food packs are being prepared for distribution to affected residents.
