Residents of Calasiao, Pangasinan have been grappling with deep floods for at least five days, prompting local authorities to place the town under a state of calamity.

In Barangay Talibew, Calasiao, Pangasinan, flooding has reached chest-deep like in the case of the home of Victoria De Vera. She said they have come to expect this problem every year.

"Mahirap kasi wala kaming makain, pero kapag ganito namang baha talagang pinaghahandaan namin," she said.

Transportation has also become a challenge, with some roads rendered impassable due to high water levels.

Residents are forced to rely on boats to get around.

"Doble ang pamasahe, tiis-tiis lang," Epifania Sabrimonte, another resident, said.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has reported that 6,500 families, or 22,505 individuals, have been affected by the flooding, which was caused by the southwest monsoon.

As of September 9, 2024, the areas most affected are Barangays Talibew, Lumbang, and Lasip.

"Simula noong Sabado, napagpasyahan ng LGU na isailalim na sa state of calamity ang bayan kasi tumataas pa ang tubig baha at nadadagdagan pa ang bilang ng mga barangay na binabaha," Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson for Calasiao's MDRRMO, said.

The water level in the Marusay River has started to recede, but as of 11 a.m. on September 9, it still stood at 9.4 feet above the normal level.

As of this writing, 19 individuals from four families are staying in evacuation centers as they wait for the water to subside.