Heavy Rains Flood Zambales and Olongapo City
Continuous heavy rains fueled by the southwest monsoon have forced over a thousand residents from Zambales and nearby Olongapo City to evacuate their homes. As of Tuesday, July 22, 1,127 people sought refuge in evacuation centers due to rising floodwaters.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 147 families—totaling 486 individuals—across seven towns in Zambales were affected by the flooding. The relentless downpour caused rivers to swell, prompting urgent evacuations.
Rivers Overflow, Displacing Hundreds in Olongapo
In Olongapo City, rivers overflowed at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Monday, July 21. This sudden rise displaced 205 families or 641 residents, local leaders noted. Floodwaters inundated nine barangays before eventually receding, but the impact left communities shaken.
The flood monitoring station in Olongapo clearly showed the rising river levels amid the torrential rains, highlighting the severity of the situation. Residents have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such events during the monsoon season.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Evacuation centers are currently providing shelter and assistance to affected families. Authorities continue to monitor river levels closely and have urged residents to stay vigilant as heavy rains persist. Many locals are cooperating with disaster response teams to ensure safety and minimize damage.
One resident shared, “Dapat tayong maging handa lalo na sa ganitong panahon,” emphasizing the need for preparedness during these challenging weather conditions.
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