Hot spring resorts in Pansol, other areas in Laguna still submerged in flood

Several areas in Laguna are still submerged in flood one week after Typhoon Ulysses hit, including the popular hot spring capital Barangay Pansol in Calamba City.

In Mariz Umali's report for "24 Oras," residents can be seen wading through waist-deep water or using boats to be able to work.

Barangay captain Joel Martinez said the livelihoods of many people have been affected by the stagnant water from a mix of rain and overflow from Laguna de Bay.

"Malaki ho talaga ang naging problema namin dito dahil pangunahing pinagkakitaan ng tao namin dito e 'yung aming mga resort," Martinez said. "'Yung mga natitinda ng ng salbabida at mga nagtitinda ng buko pie halos wala na rin hong kita."

Purok Singko alone has an estimated 400 hot spring resorts, which are visited by thousands of tourists each year.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, around 10% of Laguna is still under water, mainly in Calamba, San Pedro, Biñan, and Paete.

"Tabing lawa ho talaga ito kaya mataas pa ho 'yung tubig doon," said Aldwin Cejo, Officer-in-Charge the Laguna PDRRMO.

"Kahit ho kasi hindi umuulan dito sa Laguna 'yun hong tubig na nanggagaling dito sa mga karatig-probinsya ho namin, ang bagsak ho dito sa Laguna Lake din," he added.

Residents are concerned that their areas may remain flooded until Christmas or even beyond.

"Parang kahalintuhad ho nung kay Typhoon Ondoy. Kay Typhoon Ondoy ho, halos tatlong buwan ho na nakalubog ang mga bayan," Cejo said. —MGP, GMA News