Floodwaters have submerged parts of Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan after the Sinucalan River rose above its critical level.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) recorded that the water level at the river rose to 7.4 meters above sea level on Monday, November 18, 2024, surpassing the critical level of seven meters.

“Base sa ating experience, sa mga susunod na oras, kung ganyan kasi, pababa na ito gradually — 'yung pag-increase niya — then biglang mag-steady," Jasper Christian Manuel, Command Center Unit Head of Sta. Barbara MDRRMO, said.

Officials anticipate that floodwaters may subside within five days if no additional rain falls in areas upstream.

"Tapos pababa nang pababa na yun [na water level], as long as walang pag-ulan sa taas,” he added.

The river’s overflow has flooded Barangays Sonquil and Dalongue, affecting 649 families.

Some residents, like Malou Segundo, have resorted to makeshift rafts to navigate the water.

"Mas malalim po sa loob ng bahay namin, hanggang hita na po. Pero kapag sa labas, hanggang beywang na. At sa dulo, hanggang dibdib na," she said.

Donna Shiela Legazpi, Barangay Sonquil Secretary, said the flooding worsened overnight.

"Kasi kahapon po, hindi po ganito yung sitwasyon. Pagkagising, ganito na, mas lumalim yung baha," she said.

While no evacuation was ordered yet, MDRRMO and barangay officials remain on standby for preemptive measures.