Floods disrupt business in San Fernando

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Heavy rains that caused flooding in various barangays in this city, including the city proper, has disrupted business activities and weekend routines, including Sunday worship services.

Businessmen have questioned the city's preparedness on disasters because of this. They are also questioning the measures of the City Government that claimed to have undertaken to avert massive flooding within the city.

“They [city officials] said there would be no massive flooding any more. But what happened now, with these deep floods, has caused disruption in our businesses and inconvenience to our customers. Some of our colleagues have to close down shop because of the deep waters,” the traders complained.

Deep floods caused major thoroughfares going out and into the city, with many residents braving the waters on foot to get to the market and the church. In succeeding masses, the Metropolitan Cathedral was only half full but devotees were unmindful of the murky waters.

City officials led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez had been spotted by Sun.Star Pampanga conducting inspections to check on water tributaries round-the-clock.

Despite the momentary stop to downpours, floods continue to rise reportedly from water released from dams in the region. The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management has reported no casualties so far and estimates on property damages.