AN estimated P40-million worth of initial damage to crops, fisheries including public infrastructure was recorded in Bulacan, while at least 2,000 residents from 515 families in 12 towns and cities in Bulacan province were already evacuated.
The evacuation was done after the families and their homes were submerged in rising floodwaters caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoon Fabian, and further aggravated by the high tide from Manila Bay.
The floodwaters reached up to 5ft. that submerged more than 100 barangays due to nearly a week of non-stop rains, according to the latest report of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
Two of the three dams in the province also released a total of 210 cubic meters, where Bustos Dam released water on Sunday after its water level reached 17.36 meters beyond the 17-meters spilling level.
The Ipo Dam also released a total of 116.31 cubic meters of water until 5 pm the same day after it surpassed the spilling level of 101 meters and reached 101.40 to 101.70 meters.
It was learned that as of 12 noon on Monday. the Bustos Dam continued discharging water.
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando said residents and families in Malolos City were already evacuated.
Barangay Bulihan was most affected by floodwaters, including the towns of Hagonoy, Paombong, Bulacan and Calumpit, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bocaue, Obando, Meycauayan City, Norzagaray and Marilao, Balagtas, and Sta. Maria.
Also affected by raging floodwaters that reached up to 3-feet high were 13 barangays in Bocaue, 24 in Malolos City, four in Plaridel, 14 in Paombong, 17 in Calumpit, 11 in Meycauayan City, and four in Guiguinto..
It was also learned that the Macaiban Bridge in Sta. Maria is not passable for all types of vehicles as well as in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Guiguinto town and Barangay Iba in Marilao and Barangay Saluysoy in Meycauayan. Lias, Marilao road is also not passable for all light vehicles.
The Bulacan First District Engineering Office recorded an initial amount of P5-million damage to infrastructure while the District 2 Engineering Office initially recorded P14.3 million, with P19 million damage to vegetable crops, rice, and fisheries.
Gov. Fernando also suspended work office at the provincial capitol on Monday based on the recommendation of PDRRMO chief Liz Mungcal for the safety of employees affected by the floods in their respective areas.
However, according to Fernando, the essential functions of those who have the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and other vital services will remain open to deliver services to the Bulakenyos.
Vaccination activities are also underway at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.
PHOTO CREDIT: pna.gov.ph