Over 700 residents rescued, 13 barangays flooded in Cabanatuan

Over 700 residents from several barangays in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija were evacuated to safe grounds on Wednesday due to flooding from tropical storm Pepito.

According to James Agustin’s report on “24 Oras,” one of those who were rescued was Norjana Abbas who left home with her two children and nieces after floodwater submerged a portion of their house.

“Ito pa nga po ang pinakamahirap kasi mahirap po ‘yung may bata. Pag malalaking tao mabilis lang lumikas, pagka may bata ang dami mo pa igagayak,” Abbas said.

Authorities placed plastic barriers in the covered court where the residents were brought to ensure physical distancing. They also checked the body temperature of evacuees.

“Itong mga panahon na ito, hindi siya ‘yung usual na evacuation ‘to, eh. Pero ngayon dahil meron tayong pandemic, sisiguraduhin natin na talagang ma-observe natin ‘yung mga health protocols dito,” Helen Bagasao, Cabanatuan Social Welfare Development Office head, said.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said that 13 barangays in Cabanatuan experienced flooding.

“Sila po ay nakabilang doon sa mga high-risk flood-prone barangay natin dahil sila talaga ay kung tigtignan po natin sa topographic map, sila po ay nasa mababang elevation,” Ricky Ventura, CDDRMO Operation and Warning Division head, said.

“Malapit po sila sa Pampanga River at malapit po sila doon sa isa pa naming creek. ‘Yung ito ‘yung Sapang Buhay Creek,” he added.

A portion of Barangay San Juan Accfa resembled a river after a nearby creek overflowed, prompting barangay personnel and CDRRMO operatives to use rescue boats to save the residents.

Meanwhile, some residents chose to wade through knee-deep water while some rode on floaters to go to work.

“Mabilis nga tumaas yung tubig. Eh, lumubog nga ‘yung mga motor dito,” Emy Magno, a resident, said.

Some residents said they were used to the situation as flooding was normal during strong rains. They usually move to the second floor of their homes.

“Ganun talaga ang nangyayari dito pagka ganyan ang ulan ay halos maghapon, eh, tumataas na ‘yung tubig,” Enrique Marzo, another resident, said.

“May pagkakatoon na nabibigla sila sa ragasa ng tubig o ‘yung biglaang tubig so kadalasan nasusurpresa sila, epekto ‘yun para sa mga kabuhayan nilang hindi nila agad naililikas,” CDRRMO rescue team leader Julio Dionson said.

Several houses beside a creek in District 1 also experienced flooding.

“Sanay na ho. Kada uulan ganyan dito dahil mababa na ‘yung sapa. Eh bahagyang ulan lang baha na rito,” resident Gerry Pablo said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is monitoring the Pampanga River. It said the river’s water levels increased slightly but is still normal.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News