CITY OF MALOLOS — The entire province of Bulacan has been formally placed under a State of Calamity today (Aug. 20) following the recent widespread flooding and damages brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, Tropical Cyclones Luis, and Maymay.
The move was taken after the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, assessed the extent of flood damage, damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and the number of Bulacan residents affected by the severe drought that hit the province.
According to Fernando, the declaration was approved through Resolution No. 708-T’2026 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan during its special session via Zoom Teleconference.
The declaration aims to expedite the Bulacan Provincial Government’s response to the needs of affected Bulacan residents, including the provision of relief assistance, food and non-food items, medical services, and the implementation of measures for the rehabilitation and immediate recovery of communities.
The heavy rains and flooding caused by the enhanced Habagat and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay affected families, farmers, fisherfolk, businesses and public infrastructure across the province.
Based on the latest Situation Report No. 27 of PDRRMC that was released August 20 as 8 am, 11 of Bulacan’s 24 cities and municipalities reported flooding, with water levels estimated at one to three feet.
As of August 19, a total of 6,980 families or 23,334 individuals had been affected and evacuated at various points, with 2,146 families or 7,263 individuals still in evacuation centers. No untoward incidents were reported as of the latest monitoring.
The DRRMO Operations Center remains on Blue Alert status to ensure continued monitoring and coordination with local disaster response offices across the province.
Despite the continuing rains, the PDRRMO reported that all monitored water levels remain below alert and alarm thresholds. As of the morning of August 20, Angat Dam was at 188.66 meters, Ipo Dam at 101.01 meters, and Bustos Dam at 16.10 meters. Authorities, however, continue to closely monitor the situation, particularly in low-lying areas that may be affected by high tide, which reached 2.99 feet at 2:41 AM.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando called on Bulakenyos to remain vigilant and continue following official weather and disaster advisories as the province remains on heightened monitoring due to the possibility of further rains and flooding.
“Hindi man natin kayang pigilan ang pagdating ng bagyo at malalakas na ulan, kaya nating maging handa, magtulungan at bumangon nang sama-sama. Ang bawat Bulakenyo ay mahalaga, at sa panahon ng pagsubok, hindi tayo magkakanya-kanya,” Governor Fernando added.
The Provincial Government assures the people of Bulacan that monitoring and response operations will continue as the province works toward the immediate relief and eventual recovery of communities affected by the recent weather disturbances. (UnliNews Online)
