Pangasinan now under state of calamity

The province of Pangasinan is now under a state of calamity.

In a special session on Thursday afternoon, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the entire province under state of calamity through Provincial Resolution No. 349-2012 as 13 towns (Dasol, Aguilar, Bugallon, Mangatarem, Bayambang, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Manaoag, San Jacinto, Bautista, Sison, Balungao and San Quintin) and the cities of San Carlos and Dagupan, experienced flooding with some towns reaching neck-deep waters.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 21,466 families (111,155 persons) were affected by the monsoon rains (habagat) and 699 families or 2,161 individuals are now housed in evacuation centers.

Damages incurred by municipalities and cities have been increasing due to continuous heavy rainfall, which caused rivers to spill out excess waters in low-lying areas in the province near river systems, he said.

Fernando De Guzman, PDRRMC officer-in-charge, said rescue operations to residents in areas severely affected by flashfloods and other dangers are conducted upon request of a local government.

The Water Search and Rescue team, together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office , is dispatched immediately to the area, De Guzman said.

Governor Amado Espino, Jr. has also declared suspension of classes in all levels today, Aug 10

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the region has augmented relief goods in Dagupan City, giving out 1,000 family food packs to Pangasinan.

The Philippine National Police, on the other hand, utilized two of its 6 x 6 trucks to haul the relief goods for distribution to affected families.

The Philippine Red Cross is also on alert for possible response operations. It ensured the adequate stocks of blood supply at the Blood Center. - PIA — ARA