Continuous rain, tide causes flooding in Bulacan areas

Areas in Bulacan are still dealing with flooding despite Typhoon Egay exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning.

In Sandra Aguinaldo's Friday 24 Oras report, the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the continuous rain and high tide caused waist- to chest-high flooding in Calumpit, Giguinto, and Bocaue.

Residents of Barangay San Miguel, Calumpit prepared flotation devices and boat transportation in response to the flood - an annual occurrence for them.

They also believed that the flood would last at least a week more.

“Maaring tumaas pa yan hanggang bukas o sa mga susunod na araw dahil patuloy po ‘yung pagulan,” said San Miguel Barangay Captain Dave Sambilay.

In Barangay Meysulao, Calumpit, residents alleged that the flood was caused by the release of water from the Ipo and Bustos Dam at around 3 to 4 a.m.

“Nung nagpakawala po ang dam, dun lang lumaki ang tubig alas kwatro. Kanina lang bumulusok. Napakabilis po,” a resident claimed.

However, the PDRRMO disputed this, pointing out that local rivers did not burst their banks despite the water released from the dams.

In Guiguinto, Bulacan, a bulldozer was used to save vehicles and pedestrians stuck in the flood, with flooding also taking place at the MacArthur Highway in Bocaue.

The PDRRMO alerted residents that back flooding may cause the flood to last until Sunday. — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News