Eight towns in Bulacan flooded

Eight towns in Bulacan were flooded since the weekend due to heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), according to a report on Balitanghali on Monday by Cecille Villarosa.

The worst flooding occurred in Balagtas, particularly in Panginay, Wawa, and San Juan, where floodwaters reached beyond a man's height, data from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.

On Monday, some areas were still flooded since there was also high tide.

MacArthur Highway in Balagtas and Marilao were knee-deep in some parts, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through.

Two trucks stalled on the highway right across a mall.

An Army truck arrived to offer free rides to residents.

A gasoline station on MacArthur Highway in Marilao remained closed due to the flooding.

In Bocaue, residents made do with what they can and went on with their usual business despite the flooding for the third straight day.

In Marilao, floodwaters reached waist level in some areas, particularly in Barangay Poblacion Dos and Constantino Subdivision, but some residents refused to evacuate, Jamie Santos reported on Balitanghali.

"Nananawagan po ako lalo na sa national government, sana po ang flood control dito sa aming lugar lalo na sa Marilao, sana po'y matugunan kasi malaki ang pangangailangan namin dito," Ireneo Batongbacal, chairman of Barangay Poblacion Dos, said.

In Barangay Abangan Sur, the water level reached the calf, and in some areas, up to the chest.

Still, rescuers tried to evacuate residents.

"Kami sa rescue ay nahihirapan dahil pag sila'y tumawag sa command center namin, pupunta at mag-e-effort ang rescue team, pagdating sa kanila, ayaw nilang iwanan ang kanilang kabahayan," said Dorothy Bonifacio of the Marilao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

In Lolomboy, Bocaue, meanwhile, the water level was knee-deep.

Residents in Barangay Perez, Bulakan found a snake in the floodwaters.

Some 70 families were evacuated in that barangay.

In Malolos City, on the other hand, a huge amount of trash was left by floodwaters.

Residents are concerned this may affect their health.

Pampanga

Meanwhile, in Apalit, Pampanga, the water level reached knee-level in some areas.

Residents sought refuge in the second floor of their houses. —KG, GMA News