By Mar Supnad
BALANGA CITY, Bataan- The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Balanga City today declared a state of calamity in the city as some low lying areas here were submerged by flash floods as deep as 6 to 8 feet.
The owner of the car was not able to park to the higher ground in Barangay Ibayo, Balanga City. (Mar Supnad/ MANILA BULLETIN)
This is the worst flash flood to hit the city for years.
In barangay Cupang Proper, barangay officials led by Captain Norman Guila braved the rampaging flood waters as deep as six feet and rescued stranded children in Tabing Ilog and Pio del Mar.
“This was the worst flood to hit here as the flood waters are coming from the higher areas of the highway; we used rope, life jacket and vest,” said Guila.
As of this writing, Balanga city government is currently mobilizing all barangay officials for possible evacuation of residents.
“Bataan National High School and Bataan People Center are now open for evacuees. Also, residents residing in low-lying areas are advised to evacuate to a 2-storey building or house with second floor for safety,” said Jose Mari Garcia, manager of Phil Information Agency.
“Sa bandang Tabing Ilog lampas tao at sa Pio Del Mar. Sa flea market hanggang Barangay hall umabot ng hanggang binti ang tubig. Ngayon lng nangyari ito. Ang tubig nanggagaling sa itaas bandang hi way. Marami kming narescue mga bata. Gumamit kmi ng lubid, lifebouy at vest,” said Guila.
In the heart of Balanga city, flashfloods were high waist, paralysing transportation in the area.
In front of ICMC hospital, flashfloods also reached up to neck deep together within the areas of Ibayo, Capitol drive and in front of Pan hotel along the highway boundary of Abucay and Balanga.