MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The municipal government of Calasiao in Pangasinan on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, declared a state of calamity due to severe flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha) over the weekend and the southwest monsoon, which continues to bring water from upland areas.
Mayor Patrick Caramat, in a statement on his official Facebook page, said the widespread flooding in the town prompted his recommendation, as chair of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), to the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council).
"Aprubado na po ito ng Sangguniang Bayan kaya’t mailalaan na po ang nakatabing pondo ng lokal na pamahalaan para sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan (It has been approved by the Municipal Council hence the local government can now use the funds intended for response to the residents)," he said.
The declaration, contained in the municipal council’s Resolution No. 43, series of 2025, also aims to ensure the safety of the people and their livelihood from the continuous rain.
In a phone interview, Calasiao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office spokesperson Christine Joy Soriano said that as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, 69 families or 252 individuals are in various evacuation centers, but the number is still rising as the rescue operations are ongoing.
She said 22 of the town’s 24 villages are experiencing flooding, of which 18 saw 3 to 5 feet deep flood waters.
Calasiao's river tributary, the Marusay River, is above critical level, bringing flood waters to the town, especially in low-lying areas.
Soriano said there are no reported casualties so far.
Meanwhile, the local government is providing free rides for its residents during the day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick-up points are in Calasiao Plaza, which will pass by the villages of Mancup, Malabago, Buenlag to Jollibee. (PNA)