By Franco Regala
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- At least 65 houses were washed out by heavy rains and floods caused by continued monsoon rains in the last few days, according to reports from the Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC).
PDRRMC Officer Ging Macabare Ednalan said 7 brgys in three towns were badly affected by strong waves at the height of monsoon rains forcing more than 800 families (2959 individuals) living in eight barangays to fled their homes and find shelter in higher grounds.
According to Macabre, the affected barangays are Lipay, Naulo, Longos Lucapon North and Sabang, Sta. Cruz, Gareta in Paluig and Bangan in Botolan.
She said 14 houses were totally damaged and 51 were partially destroyed.
"Maraming mga residenteng nananinirahan sa coastal area ang apektado at nakaranas ng hagupit ng alon," she said.
"Lalong lumakas ang bugso ng hangin na sinabayan ng high tide ang naging dahilan ng pagsalanta ng malakas na alon. Kahit kalapit n mga lugar ay naapektuhan din at naging sanhi ng evacuation," the PDRRMC official said.
Meanwhile, roads leading to Olongapo Bugallon
Walang pagbaha ang iniulat at passable sa mga motorista ang paglakbay sa Olongapo Bugallon road liban sa barangay Ilwas Subic na nakakaranas ng heavy traffic,dahilan sa pagtambak o road-upgrading at dahil dito ayon kay
District Engineer Hercules Manglicmot of the 2nd District DPWH advised motorists coming from the north or heading towards Subic Zambales to stay safe when trvelling and keep away from roads that have been damaged by strong rains.
He said roads passable to light vehicles are from Philseco through Wwandue exit, while those with heavy equipment can pass from Subic bypass from Manggahan until Matain bridge.
Classes remained suspended in some towns like Palauig, Subic, and San Felipe; and in Candelaria, Iba and Castillejos.
PNP chief Oscar Albayalde and PRO3 director Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus also distributed relief supplies to families/individuals affected by monsoon rains.