EVEN before Kapampangans can recover from the damages brought about by the past weather disturbances, the southwest monsoon induced by Typhoon “Karding” brought anew heavy rains in the province of Pampanga, flooding more than 100 of its villages.
Based on the latest report of the Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), a total of 136 barangays from 17 municipalities and one city are now submerged in floodwaters due to continuous heavy downpour.
In the southern part of the province, all the barangays of Macabebe and Masantol towns are flooded by up to four feet while the local disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs) recorded four flooded barangays in Apalit town, 18 in Guagua town, one in Sta. Rita, 12 in Sasmuan town, four in Floridablanca, and 15 in Lubao town.
The City of San Fernando was not spared by the onslaught of rains and recorded minimal flooding in some barangays, while the towns of Mexico, Bacolor, Arayat, Candaba, Minalin, Sta. Ana, San Luis, Mabalacat and Magalang are also experiencing flooding as of Monday noon.
Several thoroughfares in the municipalities of Masantol, Macabebe, San Simon, Magalang, Candaba, Floridablanca, City of San Fernando and Guagua are also not passable to light vehicles due to knee-deep floodwaters.
Meanwhile, Capitol declared a suspension of classes in all levels throughout the province, while government work in the province was suspended in the afternoon as a precautionary measure.
The PDRRMC advised Kapampangans to remain alert and stay indoors, if possible, to avoid untoward incidents, and are urged to closely coordinate with their respective LDRRMC for possible pre-emptive evacuation.