Authorities in Calasiao, Pangasinan have started preparations for possible flooding as the Marusay River may overflow due to heavy rains expected from the approaching storm.

Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson of the Calasiao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), said they are monitoring both the rainfall and the water coming from upstream areas closely.

“200 plus to 400 plus na ulan ‘yung dala, so we are expecting torrential rains. Ayon sa forecast, so iyon po ‘yung isa nating pinagha-handaan, binabantayan pagka malakas ulan na dala dito sa atin. Bukod doon, binabantayan din natin ‘yung tubig na manggagaling upstreams na siyang bababa dito sa ating ilog,” Soriano said.

Aside from possible floods, strong winds are also expected. The local government has advised owners of large billboards to take tarpaulins down temporarily to prevent accidents. The DRRMO has also conducted river clean-ups in several barangays and repaired the damaged dike in Barangay San Vicente, which was affected by a previous storm.

“On-going po ang pag-iikot, although meron na tayong nakausap. And also we are coordinating with other business establishments na maging alternative evacuation in the event na malakas talaga ‘yung epekto dito sa ating bayan,” Soriano added.

Among the areas under close watch is Barangay Poblacion East, which lies near the river and has experienced flooding in past months.

“Darating na naman, malalim na naman. ‘Yung mga gamit namin ilalagay namin sa itaas, ‘yung mga bata andun sa taas, hindi bababa,” Dominador Zapanta, a resident, said.

Barangay officials have also been visiting households to remind residents to secure their belongings and strengthen their roofs.

“Kung maaari itali para medyo [ligtas], tapos pagsasabihan din namin mga tao dito na maghanda sila,” Barangay Councilwoman Beth Solis said.