LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – All local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan have been ordered to intensify disaster preparedness for quick response as heavy rains are still expected and may cause flood in areas.
“We instructed LGUs of low-lying municipalities and cities in central and eastern Pangasinan to make ready their rescue and relief capabilities for affected residents in those areas,” Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan said Tuesday, August 7.
Residents especially those in towns located along Cayanga-Bued River, Pantal-Sinocalan River and Agno River and in those villages lying in hilly areas susceptible to flash floods were also advised to take appropriate actions.
Baraan cited another threat for towns and cities in eastern and central Pangasinan aside from the continuous heavy rainfalls brought by the monsoon rains.
He said this is the massive release of water from San Roque Multi-purpose (SRPC) Dam that greatly affects low-lying towns in eastern Pangasinan prone to flooding like of San Fabian, Mangaldan, San Nicolas, Tayug, Sta. Maria and Rosales.
“SRPC has violated protocol in the release of waters from the dam and we will file a case against the San Roque Power Corporation,” Baraan said.
Under the water release protocol signed by Governor Amado Espino Jr. with SRPC, National Power Corporation (NPC) and National Water Resources Board (NWRB) in 2009, San Roque must start gradually releasing water when the level of water at its reservoir reaches the 280 meters above sea level.
Baraan also mobilized the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) to be prepared in all angles, quickly response, disseminate information regarding impending disasters, reach out Pangasinan residents needing rescue and relief and be proactive on the occurrences that this hazard may bring.
Also on standby are all Police stations to serve as command posts and coordinating centers for PDRRMC and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (MDRRMCs).
“All mountainous areas in the province most especially in towns of Bugallon and Labrador are vulnerable for fashfloods that’s why, we have to alert the residents living in the area to prepare themselves or even evacuate in safer places,” Provincial Police Director Mariano Luis Versoza noted.
As of presstime, the town of Calasiao is now partly submerged in rainwaters as 9 barangays (Talibalew, Lasip, San Vicente, Banaoang, Mabini St. Poblacion East and West, Sitio Pandayan in Gabon and Quesban) were reportedly penetrated by flooding.
Reports from LGU Calasiao noted that 55 families with 251 persons have been evacuated at the Calasiao Aliguas Training Center in Poblacion West. – Philippine News Agency
For more weather updates, visit the #WeatherAlert Microsite.
Everyone is encouraged to help out. Check this list of evacuation centers and relief operations in Metro Manila for places near you.
More in #WeatherAlert:
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- 4 areas in Luzon under state of calamity
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- Southwest monsoon causing heavy rain over Luzon
- 20,000 displaced in Metro Manila floods
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