Bataan towns submerged; thousands of families affected

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – At least 4 towns in the neighboring province of Bataan have also been inundated by monsoon rains in Central Luzon on Monday, September 23, municipal authorities reported.

Thousands of families are being evacuated in the towns of Hermosa, Abucay, Dinalupihan, and Samal where floodwaters reached up to 5 feet high in some areas or submerged houses in other parts as of 8 pm.

Some roads were impassable to vehicles.

Meanwhile, Olongapo City in Zambales has been placed under state of calamity.

In Bataan, the entire town of Hermosa, which has 23 barangays, is inundated, according to the municipal police.

A total of 19,925 people – equivalent to 4,302 families – are affected, and 5 evacuation centers have been opened for them.

Floodwaters reached 2 to 5 feet high in at least 10 barangays, while McArthur Highway is not passable to light vehicles.

The local government has deployed 148 search and rescue personnel.

In Abucay town, 8 barangays are flooded as well, with 160 people or 40 families affected.

One evacuation center has been opened at the St Dominic Parish Church.

Parts of Dinalupihan town are inundated as well, with houses submerged in some barangays. One lane of Roman Highway is not passable.

In Samal town, floodwaters rose neck-deep in some barangays.  – Rappler.com