PAMPANGA, Philippines — The entire province of Pampanga has been placed under a state of calamity after flooding affected hundreds of communities across the province, provincial officials said.
The declaration was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan following a request from the Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), which is chaired by Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda.
As of Wednesday, flooding had been reported in 297 barangays across 17 municipalities and cities, according to the provincial government.
The state of calamity declaration is expected to facilitate a faster government response and the delivery of assistance to communities affected by the flooding.
It also allows provincial authorities and concerned government agencies to more quickly coordinate relief operations and address urgent needs arising from the disaster.
Flooding affects communities across Pampanga
The widespread flooding comes as Pampanga continues to deal with the effects of prolonged rainfall and elevated water levels in several areas.
The province’s geography makes many communities particularly vulnerable to flooding, with portions of Pampanga located within low-lying areas and major river systems.
Residents in affected communities may face disruptions to transportation, access to essential services, livelihoods and normal daily activities as floodwaters remain in residential and agricultural areas.
Local disaster response teams are expected to continue monitoring affected barangays and identifying communities requiring immediate assistance.
Government response to be accelerated
The provincial government said the declaration will help speed up the response to the ongoing disaster, including the distribution of necessary assistance to affected residents.
The PDRRMC and local disaster risk reduction and management offices are expected to coordinate response efforts with municipalities and cities throughout the province.
The extent of flooding across 297 barangays underscores the scale of the current situation, particularly as authorities continue assessing its impact on households, businesses, roads and other critical infrastructure.
Residents in flood-affected areas are advised to continue monitoring announcements from their respective local government units and disaster response offices for evacuation orders, relief operations and other safety instructions.
The state of calamity declaration covers the entire province of Pampanga, providing a provincewide framework for government agencies to respond to communities affected by the disaster.
Further assessments may determine the additional resources and interventions needed as authorities continue to monitor conditions on the ground.
Pampanga officials have also urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas that remain vulnerable to flooding.
As recovery and response operations continue, local authorities are expected to provide additional updates on affected communities, relief efforts and other measures being implemented across the province.
