21T families in Masantol affected by flooding

CLARK FREEPORT— Masantol mayor Jose Antonio “Ton-Ton” Bustos yesterday reported that more than 21,000 families in his town are affected by severe flooding due to the recent rains brought about by southwest monsoon.

Bustos, who attended the Pampanga Press Club Kapihan at Hann Casino Resort, said that all of the town’s 26 brangays are now flooded with a minimum water level of 1.5 feet in some areas.

Bustos said the highest recorded height of the flood in some areas is at three feet.

“There are some 384 families who have been displaced by the flooding,” Bustos said.

He added that the families are currently housed in evacuation centers in Masantol.

The number of families in evacuation centers accounts for 1,000 individuals.

The mayor said that evacuation centers are no longer capable of accommodating more families needing evacuation.

This necessitated the use of public elementary schools to be used as temporary evacuation centers.

The Municipal Government of Masantol conducted relief operations in 19 barangays.

The mayor said that he will be able to reach all barangays needing food relief until Friday of this week.

Public transportation is also affected by floods that prevented all public utilities from operating.

Bustos said that most of his residents could not go to work due to the flooding.