Relentless rains fueled by the southwest monsoon and intensified by Tropical Storm #EmongPH flooded all 24 barangays of Calasiao, Pangasinan, forcing evacuations and causing significant damage to crops and property.

As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, 138 families, or 538 individuals, remain in evacuation centers.

Most came from nine heavily affected barangays: Gabon, Lasip, Lumbang, Poblacion East, Mancup, Talibaew, Malabago, Nalsian, and Banaaoang.

“Lahat po ng 24 barangays ng ating bayan ay meron nang reported flooding. Although 18 dito ang merong malubhang pagbaha sa kanilang area na umaabot sa lagpas-tao level,” Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson for the Calasiao DRRM Office, said.

Initial reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimate around P8 million in damages to rice fields, and P300,000 in losses to high-value crops. It is expected to rise as the bad weather continues.

Mayor Patrick Agustin Caramat said their efforts remain focused on search and rescue.

“Naka-focus po kami sa rescue operations, lalong-lalo na may mga kabahayan tayong nangangailangan ng rescue. As we speak now, ongoing po lahat ng ating rescue operations,” he said.

Despite the crisis, stories of hope and solidarity have emerged.

Residents set up safety ropes in knee-to-chest-deep waters to help others cross. Youth volunteers from Jesus Is Alive Community cooked and distributed hot arroz caldo to evacuees.

“Hanggang andito mga evacuees natin, kasi talagang marami po silang pangangailangan, gaya ng tubig, pagkain,” Janray Aquino, a volunteer, said.

The local government has also launched free transport services for affected residents, and officials continue to monitor flood levels and deliver aid.