MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Pre-emptive evacuation continues in Pangasinan, and the red alert status remains as the province prepares for Severe Tropical Storm Emong.
Rescue operations are ongoing in Calasiao, Mangatarem, Bani, Urbiztondo, and Bugallon towns, unit head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) emergency operations center, Pia Flores, said in a phone interview Thursday, July 24, 2025.
She said local government personnel continue to urge residents who refuse evacuation, as this has been ordered by the Office of Civil Defense since Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
As of 5 a.m. Thursday, about 1,399 families, consisting of 4,636 individuals, have evacuated due to severe flooding in 16 towns and one city. A total of 152,383 families, or 485,631 individuals, were reported to be affected by the flooding.
Based on the 11 a.m. bulletin of the weather bureau, Emong is moving slowly south-southeastward, with the center estimated at 220 km. west-southwest of Bacnotan, La Union, or 210 km. west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan. It packs maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
Three municipalities in northern Pangasinan – Anda, Bolinao, and Bani – are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3.
Under Signal No. 2 are Agno, Burgos, Mabini, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Bugallon, Infanta, Dasol, Lingayen, Binmaley, Dagupan City, Calasiao, Santa Barbara, Mangaldan, Mapandan, Manaoag, Laoac, Binalonan, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Pozorrubio, Sison, San Fabian, and San Jacinto, while the rest of the province is under Signal No. 1.
Flores said the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army have augmented their rescue teams, while some local government units have requested additional rescue personnel and assets.
The wind signal may rise as Emong moves towards the province, as it was forecasted that the eye of the storm will be in Dagupan City by 2 p.m. Thursday, she said, citing the possibility that “the highest wind signal that might be raised for the province is up to No. 4.”
She said a storm surge warning is also up in the province's 14 coastal towns and cities, with possible waves of one to two meters.
"For those living in landslide-, flood-prone, and low-lying areas, listen and abide with the authorities. If they ask us to evacuate, please do so for you and your family's safety, and the safety of the responders who are helping," she said.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III has announced the suspension of classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, and work in government offices, except those in front-line services, on Thursday and Friday in anticipation of inclement weather.
He said the declaration of a state of calamity for now should be localized, depending on the situation of each town and city. (PNA)