Thousands of families are still staying in evacuation facilities in the Province of Bulacan due to flooding in Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Pulilan.
The Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said the heavy downpour caused a cascade from Nueva Ecija and Pampanga. The release of water from Bustos Dam has also contributed to the flooding in the province.
As of the morning of November 17, a total of 2,691 families or 9,420 individuals are still in evacuation centers. Two fatalities were reported due to the flooding.
“Kasi ‘pag basta back flooding, it takes days para po mag-subside ‘yung tubig, unlike flashflood na darating siya within hours, aalis din siya within hours (It takes days for back flooding to subside, unlike flashfloods which take place within hours then recede within hours),” Liz Mungcal of the PDRRMO stated.
Data from the PDRRMO has estimated PhP474 million worth of damage to agriculture in the whole of Bulacan. This amount does not cover livestock.
Relief operations to affected residents have been ongoing, but they are now appealing for more assistance to start their livelihood all over again. The PDRRMO said it is now preparing for the rehabilitation program for devastated farmlands. – Report from Louisa Erispe
