Rescue, evacuation operations continue as flooding affects Mangatarem, Pangasinan
Rescue and evacuation operations continue in several flood-affected barangays in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, with 55 families or 188 individuals evacuated as of 6 a.m., based on the initial police report. (Photo courtesy of Mangatarem PNP via Liezle Inigo)
MANGATAREM, Pangasinan — Rescue and evacuation operations continued in several flood-affected barangays in Mangatarem early Saturday as authorities responded to residents displaced by rising floodwaters amid persistent rains.
An initial report from the Mangatarem Municipal Police Station showed that 55 families, or 188 individuals, have been evacuated as of 6 a.m. from six barangays.
Affected were 15 families or 45 individuals from Takipan; five families or 45 individuals from Talogtog; nine families or 12 individuals from Cabaruan; three families or nine individuals from Olo Cacamposan; four families or 11 individuals from Bunlalacao; and 19 families or 66 individuals from Dorongan Punta.
Major. Arturo Melchor Jr, chief of police of Mangatarem, said the figures remained subject to consolidation as rescue and evacuation operations are still underway.
The six barangays were those with recorded evacuations at the time of the initial report. Other barangays may have also experienced flooding but had yet to evacuate residents, particularly in communities accustomed to flooding where water levels sometimes recede quickly.
Police, rescuers, and local authorities continued monitoring the situation and responding to calls for assistance as necessary.
Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories, and evacuate immediately if ordered by authorities or if conditions become unsafe.