Villages on ‘flood watch list’ identified

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Board Member Nestor Tolentino of the fourth district of Pampanga identified on Monday villages in the area that he branded as flood-prone and on the Capitol’s rescue watchlist.

While he said the current situation merits no alarm, Tolentino said that residents in the villages on the watchlist have been warned and should stay alert as evacuation centers like schools on high ground have been prepared in case of eventualities.

“Based on our inspection, there are 33 barangays in Candaba, particularly the 17 riverside villages that are on our watchlist. In San Luis, we are closely monitoring 17 barangays. Then we have on the list 12 in San Simon, 6 in Apalit, 25 in Macabebe and 26 in Masantol, although flooding in these villages is usually tide-influenced,” said Tolentino.

He said villages in Minalin are not on the watchlist as they are far from Pampanga River, while a part only of Sto. Tomas has been included.

He told Sun.Star Pampanga after briefing Governor Lilia Pineda on the watchlist that residents in the said areas should be vigilant and on alert.

“We have prepared temporary evacuation centers in these areas. In each town we have also activated the municipal action centers which are on 24/7 alert status. The Provincial Government, together with the Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and our disaster management council are closely coordinating efforts in villages on the watchlist,” Tolentino said.

“We do not want to sow alarm or confusion but we want our cabalens there to be on the ready always and to cooperate in measures for their safety,” said Tolentino.