For nearly a week, residents of Barangay Talibaew, Calasiao, Pangasinan have endured floodwaters reaching up to five feet, choosing to remain in their homes despite the rising waters.
The residents affected have chosen to stay in the second floor of their homes rather than evacuating.
"Mahirap para sa amin, hindi kami makapagtrabaho," Delia Arenas, a resident, said.
Even though the weather has improved, most homes in Talibaew remain submerged.
Residents have resorted to using boats to travel to roads nearby.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), 16 other barangays are still flooded, as of this writing.
These include:
- Nalsian
- Lumbang
- Poblacion East
- Talibaew
- Lasip
- Gabon
- Ambonao
- Malabago
- Longos
- Banaoang
- Buenlag
- Doyong
- Mancup
- Quesban
- Songkoy
- Dinalaoan
The provincial road in Barangay Lasip is also still impassable to vehicles.
Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson of MDRRMO-Calasiao, said floodwaters have started to subside slowly.
"At least kahit papa’no unti-unti nag su-subside ang tubig sa mga barangay," Soriano said.
As of 11 a.m. of September 10, 2024, the water level of the Marusay River stands at 8.5 feet above normal.
The gradual decrease in the water level at rivers is contributing to the slow receding of floodwaters across the barangays affected.
Authorities hope that if the good weather continues, the floods may subside before the weekend.
