Valenzuela declares state of calamity in wake of floods

Valenzuela City declared a state of calamity Tuesday afternoon, in the wake of floods brought by days of heavy rain that pounded Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

 

Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian made the announcement in an entry on his Twitter account, adding this year's rain was "worse" than Storm Ondoy in 2009.

 

"We are declaring a city-wide state of calamity," he said.

 

He also declared the continued suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private schools, in the city for Wednesday Gatchalian also noted the continuous rain this week made it "worse" than Ondoy, which had dumped rain on Metro Manila in late 2009.

 

"Now I can say that this is definitely wors(e) than Ondoy! It hasn't stoped raining for more than 24 hours," he said.

 

So far, Gatchalian said the city has evacuated at least 2,300 families.

 

He added all the rivers and creeks in the city overflowed.

 

"The city is 40 percent submerged," he said. — RSJ, GMA News