Residents of Barangay Cupang in Arayat, Pampanga are growing worried after officials discovered cracks on parts of the Arnedo Dike, a vital flood-control structure in the area, following recent storms.

Local authorities found the damage on December 4, 2025. Initial findings from the Municipal Engineering Office point to strong water currents and rising river levels during recent typhoons as possible causes.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the situation required immediate coordination with national agencies.

“Agad-agad namang nakipag-coordinate tayo sa DPWH through PDRRMC, PDRRMO and Provincial Government po regarding cracks na nakita sa… this part Arnedo Dike. Nasa 100 plus linear meters ang haba ng crack. There is correlation po ‘yung Bagyong Uwan and then lumaki ‘yung tubig sa Pampanga River so ‘yun po ‘yung factors na sinasabi, lumambot po ‘yung ilalim,” Jeff Venzon, MDRRM officer of Arayat, said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) noted in its assessment that the dike’s slope protection is already old, which may have weakened its foundation. Authorities are also checking whether the frequent passage of heavy trucks, a long-standing complaint of residents, contributed to the damage.

As a precaution, officials installed warning signs in the area and limited the types of vehicles allowed to pass to prevent accidents. Monitoring continues as engineers determine the full extent of the damage and the next steps needed to secure the structure.

“May rerouting po tayo ngayon para sa mga tao going to Matamo going to Candaba at saka mga taga-Cupang po. Everyday palala siya ‘yung mga cracks po kaya sana po mapondohan na po para hindi na po tayo umabot ng tag-ulan,” Venzon added.

Experts said there is no immediate need to relocate residents living near the dike, but warned that if the damage worsens and repairs are delayed, up to 500 families could be affected, especially during the rainy season.