Wednesday, August 06, 2008 High tide, rains sink Guagua's biz zone
GUAGUA -- The rains over the weekend, coupled with the high tide, has aggravated the seasonal flooding in this bustling municipality as of 9 a.m. Tuesday.
This was disclosed by Municipal Administrator Isaias Panganiban Jr. who said that they are expecting the floodwaters to rise by one-and-a half feet from the business district to the Guagua Public Market.
Panganiban said they are anticipating more rains by Wednesday.
"The floodwaters would rise by a foot high because of the high tide around noon time of the day (Tuesday)," he said.
Vehicles coming from the northern towns could no longer access the main roads of the Guagua Business District as floodwaters reached a foot high at Plaza Burgos.
Panganiban also reported that two to three feet high floodwaters have been recorded in low-lying areas of the town, particularly Barangays Bancal, Sto. Nino, Sto. Cristo and San Pedro. Accesses to these areas have been limited to heavy vehicles.
Classes in all levels were suspended as of Monday here. Officials said classes will immediately resume once weather conditions improve. The Municipal Government has also activated its local monitoring system to oversee flood situations in all areas of the town.
Business, however, is unimpeded as most stalls have opened shop since Monday despite the perennial flooding. Market-goers still flock to the Guagua Public Market, one of the biggest public markets in Pampanga.
"So far, no families were evacuated despite the flooding," Panganiban added.
He said Mayor Ricardo Rivera has ordered mitigation measures last week. Sandbagging and desilting operations have been started at the vicinity of Sapang Maragul, San Jose-Natividad Creek, Sapang Abias and Uyong.
Panganiban said through the foresight of Rivera, the town is ready to meet the needs of constituents in case floodwaters would remain longer. (IOF/JRCH)
