CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday disclosed that the Pampanga River may overflow and cause heavy flooding if downpours brought by Super Typhoon "Lawin" persist.

PAGASA-Pampanga River Basin and Flood Forecasting and Warning Center Officer-in-Charge Hilton Hernandez said that Pampanga River in Arayat almost reached its critical level with 7.1 meters while the Candaba portion is near spilling level with 5.74 meters as of 4:00 a.m. Thursday.

Hernandez said that the water level in Candaba is not really as high since the municipality is naturally a low-lying area and its spilling level is relatively low.

But in San Luis town, the river has already overflowed in barangays Sta. Catalina, San Sebastian, Sta. Monica and San Nicolas, Hernandez added.

He stressed that the level of water may continue to rise if Gabaldon and Peñaranda towns will suffer heavy rains since water from there flows down to Pampanga River.

Hernandez advised municipalities around the Pampanga River to continuously monitor the situation in their area and conduct pre-emptive measures if needed.

He noted that the downflow of water from the upstream part of the region is more threatening for Pampanga than the onslaught of typhoons as poses severe flooding.