Zambales, Bataan declare calamity state after ‘habagat’ flooding

SWAMPED Barangay Sta. Fe in San Marcelino, Zambales, is submerged in floodwaters as heavy “habagat” or southwest moonsoon rains inundate the community as seen in this aerial photo taken on Aug. 10. —PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN MARCELINO PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES— Zambales and Bataan have been placed under a state of calamity following widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure, agriculture and homes caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” and recent tropical storms.

The Zambales provincial board approved the declaration on Friday following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

As of the latest assessment, 5,770 families or 17,317 people in Zambales had been affected. Flooding forced residents to evacuate in several communities, while strong river currents swept away the Sta. Fe Bridge in San Marcelino, cutting off residents on one side of the village.

Infrastructure damage in Zambales was estimated at P569.27 million, with recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction needs reaching P1.28 billion, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Farm losses

Agricultural losses reached P23.8 million, affecting 1,498 farmers and 892.3 hectares of farmland. Rice accounted for P11.22 million of the losses, while high-value crops sustained P8.66 million in damage. Livestock losses were estimated at P1.1 million.

In Bataan, the provincial board approved a state of calamity declaration on Thursday upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

At least P56.53 million in agricultural and fisheries losses affecting 2,490 farmers and fisherfolk and 1,752 hectares of agricultural land were reported in Bataan. Livestock losses reached P4.29 million.

Flooding also ruined 225 houses in Bataan, including 14 that were destroyed, while infrastructure damage was estimated at P542.7 million.

As of Wednesday some 793,330 people or 270,233 families in Bataan had been affected by the calamity.

The hardest-hit areas included low-lying and flood-prone communities in Mariveles, Hermosa and Dinalupihan. Flooded roads near the Bataan Freeport Area have since become passable, allowing factories to resume overtime work for employees.

The state of calamity declarations are expected to facilitate the delivery of relief, recovery and rehabilitation assistance to affected communities.