Dagupan City officials have warned residents in low-lying barangays of potential flooding as water from the overflowing Sinucalan River in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan continues to flow into the Pantal River.
"Kahit walang ulan sa Dagupan, ‘pag uulan sa highland, nag-i-exit sa Pantal… parang embudo tayo," Bernard Cabison, Deputy Officer of the Dagupan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said.
The Pantal River has turned muddy brown, signaling rising water levels as runoff from the mountains flows downstream.
The CDRRMO has positioned rescue trucks and boats in anticipation of possible evacuations.
Cabison advised residents near the river to stay alert.
"Makinig po tayo lalo na ‘yung mga nakatira sa gilid ng ilog… mga low-lying brgys po natin — mag-evacuate po agad," Cabison said.
Barangay Malued, one of the flood-prone areas, is prepared for disaster operations.
"Pinahahanda na ang mga bangka... pinupuntahan [namin] ang bawat bahay lalo na ‘yung mga mababang lugar," John Kimber Aquino, Barangay Malued Secretary, said.
Although 35 families evacuated during Super Typhoon #PepitoPH have returned home, barangay officials are ready to assist them back to evacuation centers if necessary.