Pampanga Declares State of Calamity After Severe Flooding
The province of Pampanga declared a state of calamity on Thursday after monsoon rains and three tropical cyclones submerged more than half of its villages. This flooding disaster affected over half a million residents and caused nearly P470 million in damage to crops and livestock since early July.
Following urgent recommendations from local mayors, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Resolution No. 9405. Governor Lilia Pineda, who chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), formally endorsed this declaration through Resolution No. 08. This move aims to expedite aid and recovery efforts for the communities hit by the floods.
Flooded Villages and Affected Population in Pampanga
The state of calamity meets the criteria under Memorandum No. 60, Series of 2019, from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). It allows provinces to declare a calamity if at least 15 percent of the projected at-risk population requires emergency assistance. Pampanga surpassed this threshold with 527,648 people affected, representing 54.10 percent of the at-risk population as of July 23.
By July 24, flooding impacted 272 villages across multiple towns including Magalang, Guagua, Lubao, Sasmuan, San Fernando City, Mexico, Apalit, and others. Local leaders expressed particular concern for Masantol and Macabebe, which lie at the mouth of the Pampanga River draining into Manila Bay, making them vulnerable to rising water levels.
Evacuations and Ongoing Relief Efforts
Currently, at least 3,785 individuals from 1,122 families have sought shelter in evacuation centers, mostly located in multi-purpose community facilities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate relief operations to assist affected residents.
Local officials emphasized the urgency of support to prevent further losses and help communities recover from the widespread flooding. The declaration of a state of calamity will help unlock necessary resources and streamline emergency response across Pampanga.
For more news and updates on Pampanga flood crisis, visit Filipinokami.com.
