Pampanga’s four river sub-basins remain at critical and above critical water levels as per PAGASA’s Flood Bulletin No. 8, following the effects of the Enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and Low Pressure Area (LPA), August 21.
According to PAGASA, parts of the Middle Pampanga River remained above critical levels, with the Arayat Station recording 8.60 meters, exceeding its 8.50-meter critical level. Meanwhile, the Candaba Station rose to 6.20 meters, 1.20 meters above its 5.00-meter critical level.
At the Arayat Station, PAGASA reported a very slow recession in water levels. However, surface water flooding involving submerged roads and croplands, as well as possible riverside erosion, may continue to affect Arayat, San Simon, San Luis, Apalit, and Calumpit.
In Candaba, PAGASA said the water level is expected to remain above critical for several days, while the extent of inundation in the swamp area has slightly increased.
Furthermore, prolonged pluvial and fluvial flooding may persist across swamp-adjacent areas in Candaba, San Simon, San Luis, Apalit, and portions of San Miguel, San Ildefonso, and San Rafael. The Candaba–San Miguel Road at the swamp remains impassable.
Meanwhile, the Zaragoza Station maintained a water level of 4.50 meters, exceeding its 4.00-meter alarm level, with a very slow recession currently in progress.
Remnants of pluvial flooding, including submerged roads, inundated croplands, and potential riverbank erosion, may continue to affect La Paz, Licab, Aliaga, Quezon, Zaragoza, and San Antonio.
At the Lower Pampanga River, the Sulipan Station reached 4.00 meters, slightly exceeding its 3.80-meter critical level. Water levels remain fluctuating close to the critical level, with coastal, riverine, and pluvial flooding potentially affecting Apalit, Masantol, Macabebe, Hagonoy, Calumpit, Paombong, and Malolos City.
Submerged roads, inundated croplands, and possible riverbank erosion from overflowing channels may also occur in these areas.
The Pasac-Guagua River in Sasmuan also remained above critical levels, recording 3.55 meters against its 3.50-meter critical level.
PAGASA noted that the water level continues to fluctuate close to the critical level due to tidal influence.
Pluvial flooding and bank erosion may persist in Sasmuan, Guagua, Lubao, Minalin, Mexico, Sto. Tomas, City of San Fernando, Bacolor, Sta. Rita, Macabebe, Masantol, and Floridablanca.
PAGASA reported that the Pampanga River Basin received less than 10 millimeters of rainfall over the past 24 hours as of 7:00 a.m., while the 24-hour basin rainfall is forecast at 10 to 20 millimeters.
In addition, PAGASA advised the public and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) within the Pampanga River Basin to “maintain necessary measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of hazards” associated with the LPA, formerly Tropical Depression Neneng, and Habagat.
The agency also urged residents to continue monitoring rainfall warnings, severe weather information specific to their areas, and other related advisories issued by PAGASA.
