Residents of Barangay Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City joined hands to dig water channels around their homes after a storm surge caused by Typhoon #PepitoPH flooded coastal areas.

The storm surge happened evening on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

The surge, combined with heavy rains and high tide, brought seawater into houses near the shore, forcing some residents to evacuate.

"Bandang alas diyes kagabi, 'yung tubig malalim, pumasok na sa bahay namin," Cynthia Manuel, one of the affected residents, said.

The Dagupan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said nine barangays experienced flooding due to the storm surge.

"Sa atin kasi, nagkaroon ng malakas na ulan, high tide, tapos storm surge, kaya talagang may mga pagbaha tayo," Assistant Head Bernard Cabison said.

In Barangay Poblacion Oeste, floodwaters reached waist-deep, affecting over 300 households.

"So far, ito ‘yung pinakamataas na pagbaha sa amin," Barangay Chairman Mark Anthony Gutierrez said.

"Ang bilis talaga ng tubig, buti at noong madaling araw humupa na," Delma Taluban, a resident, added.

Even business establishments in the downtown area were caught off guard by the flooding.

"Nabaha talaga, hindi namin inasahan kasi wala namang ulan tapos biglaang taas na ang tubig," Mar Calseta, a businessman, said.

By morning on Monday, November 18, authorities allowed evacuees to return home as floodwaters receded.