Masantol, Pampanga under state of calamity due to severe flooding

The town of Masantol in Pampanga has been placed under a state of calamity and climate emergency due to widespread flooding caused by Habagat-induced rains.

According to Russel Simorio's report on GMA Regional TV "Balitang Amianan" on Thursday, floodwaters have not subsided affecting thousands of residents.

Residents also fear the flooding may worsen due to the two typhoons within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“Kailangan po natin ng urgent at immediate repair para po maiwasan ang mga mapinsalang epekto sa ating mga kababayan sa kanilang buhay at ari-arian,” Masantol Mayor Jose Antonio Bustos said.  

"As the local chief executive of the government of the Municipality of Masantol, I have asked our municipal engineer, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), and the member of the local finance community to immediately implement the allocated funds for the construction of barangay drainage system and pathways to amend our people who are suffering due to the severe flooding," he added.

In March 2022, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) began the agency's climate adaptation study in Barangay Sapang Kawayan in Masantol, stressing the importance of a science-based approach and strong community engagement to help and effectively address climate change related and flooding concerns of the town.

However, according to the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 30 barangays in Pampanga are reportedly inundated every rainy season.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News