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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Vehicles park in higher areas; sandbags reinforce homes amid back flood threat

Vehicles park in higher areas; sandbags reinforce homes amid back flood threat

Published Nov 12, 2025 04:34 pm
BACK FLOODS FEAR: One by one, the residents of Barangays Francis and Gatbuca, Calumpit, Bulacan moved their vehicles to higher areas in preparation for back floods from the Pampanga river. (Freddie Velez)
BACK FLOODS FEAR: One by one, the residents of Barangays Francis and Gatbuca, Calumpit, Bulacan moved their vehicles to higher areas in preparation for back floods from the Pampanga river. (Freddie Velez)
In preparation for potential back floods, residents of Barangays Francis and Gatbuca moved their vehicles to higher areas early Wednesday morning, Nov. 12.
Sandbags were placed at the gates of several houses—including the home of former Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado—for reinforcement.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Manuel M. Lukban Jr., Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) executive officer, said they were monitoring water levels from the Pampanga River Basin and the City of San Jose del Monte due to back flooding, which could cause water levels to rise and worsen conditions in low-lying areas.
He said the floodwaters from the Pampanga River Basin flowing toward Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong would be intensified by the high tide before draining into Manila Bay.
Lukban also explained that the floodwaters from CSJDM discharging into the river systems of Meycauayan, Marilao, Santa Maria, and Bocaue could also be aggravated by the high tide.
He added that Angat Dam continued its preemptive water release to prevent a further rise in its water level due to rainfall and runoff from the mountains.
As of Tuesday, the water level at Angat Dam was 210.90 meters—slightly above the normal 210-meter level. Three gates were open, releasing 339 cubic meters of water per second. Ipo Dam measured 100.62 meters, while Bustos Dam was at 15.96 meters.
Because of this, fishing, boating, and other activities along the Angat River remain prohibited. Residents in coastal areas are advised to stay alert, vigilant, and cautious to ensure everyone’s safety.
At 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that areas in Bulacan expected to be affected by the 3.67-foot high tide include Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong, Malolos, and other riverside and tidal flat communities in adjacent towns.
Meanwhile, the municipal government of Calumpit, led by Mayor Lem Faustino, in partnership with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Philippine Army, offered free transportation to residents.
The free ride program began Wednesday afternoon as part of the local government’s ongoing public service, especially during flooding incidents.
Mayor Faustino said they continue to strive to make travel easier and deliver aid to affected villages along the Calumpit–Hagonoy provincial road.

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