A dike in Barangay San Vicente, Calasiao collapsed as strong currents from upstream rivers swelled the Sinocalan River, worsening floods in the town and nearby Dagupan City.

“Nabuwal ’yung dike doon na luma. May parte lang na nabuwal na siyang nagpalalim ng tubig sa San Vicente at Banaoang. ’Yung tubig na ring iyon ay papunta na rin po iyon ng Dagupan,” Zaldy Malit, LDRRMO IV of the Calasiao DRRM Office, said.

Residents said the flooding reached homes that were previously unaffected.

“Nung pagkagising namin, meron nang tubig. Hindi po ’yung nababaha dati pero ngayon nababaha na dahil dito,” Vanessa Gonzales-Caldona, a resident, said.

Mayor Patrick Caramat said the damaged dike, built nearly a decade ago to protect San Vicente and Banaoang from floods, could no longer withstand the river’s force.

“Kanining madaling araw hindi pa ganyan kalaki ang sira ng dike pero sa lakas ng agos ng tubig ay tuluyang nasira yung dike. Ito ay ginawa 9 to 10 years ago to alleviate ’yung baha po dito sa dalawang barangay dito sa bayan ng Calasiao,” he said.

The damage also affected parts of Dagupan City, including Barangays Malued and Lucao.

Mayor Caramat said the local government has already raised the issue with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“We already contacted them, and we’re hoping na i-inspect din nila and sana ma-report din sa LGU ’yung mga projects nila dahil ’yung mga baha rito is very unusual. Ayaw kong tawagin na new normal pero it’s nakaka-frustrate po talaga,” he said.

DPWH Region 1 is yet to release a statement as of press time.