OVER 60,000 families in various towns and cities in Pampanga continue to suffer from rising floodwaters, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development office (PSWDO) reported.
Based on the latest data obtained by Sun.Star Pampanga from PSWDO, a total of 67,324 families or 265,954 individuals have been affected by the flooding after the heavy monsoon rains.
Those affected come from the coastal and low-lying communities in the towns of Guagua, Lubao, Sasmuan, Sta. Rita, Arayat, Bacolor, Mexico, Candaba, Apalit, Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, Sto. Tomas and San Simon, which also remained flooded as of Thursday, August 16.
Of the total number of affected families, 986 families or 3,684 individuals were evacuated from their houses to various government evacuation centers in their respective towns.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that at least 168 barangays in Pampanga remained flooded as of Thursday noon despite the almost fair weather experienced in the province.
All barangays in Macabebe, Masantol, Sasmuan and Sto. Tomas towns were still submerged in floodwaters, while 10 barangays in Apalit and Minalin, respectively, and 26 barangays in Lubao and 13 barangays in Guagua are still flooded.
The City of San Fernando and Mexico and Arayat towns, meanwhile, still have two flooded barangays, respectively, while nine villages in San Luis, and 12 in Candaba are also still submerged in floodwaters.