171 families evacuated in Zambales due to “Enteng”

IBA, Zambales (September 3, 2024) — A total of 171 families composed of 562 individuals transferred to evacuation centers in three municipalities of Zambales late Monday, Sept. 2, as heavy rains spawned by Typhoon Enteng threatened low-lying areas in the province.

The pre-emptive evacuations were carried out in the towns of Iba, Santa, Cruz and Botolan, where floodwaters in some areas reached as high as three feet, the Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said in situation updates issued Monday and Tuesday.

Zambales PDRRMO head Rolex Estella said a total of 179 families, or 580 persons, were affected by the weather disturbance as “Enteng” whipped up monsoon rains or “habagat” when it neared the Philippine area of responsibility late Monday.

‘LUGAW’ LINE: Evacuees line up for hot porridge at the PAGCOR Evacuation Center in Botolan, Zambales on Monday night (PDRRMO photo)

Of these, 100 families comprised of 368 individuals evacuated to safer places in the capital town of Iba, while 70 families or 190 persons relocated in Botolan, and one family of four individuals transferred to the barangay hall of Bangcol in Santa Cruz.

Most of the evacuees in Iba were housed at the Paulo Abastillas Sr. Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Palanginan, while majority of the affected persons in Botolan town sought shelter at the PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) evacuation center at Barangay Taugtog.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. suspended classes in all levels of public and private schools on Tuesday, as well as work in government offices because of heavy rains weather, Estella added.

WATER UNDER/OVER: Residents cross a flooded bridge in Barangay Paco in Botolan, Zambales, as excess runoff from the streets spills into a creek (Photo by PDRRMO)

The PDRRMO also reported that Barangay Santa Fe in San Marcelino town was temporarily isolated last Monday due to flooded access roads.

Three houses in San Felipe town, meanwhile, were partially damaged by heavy rains and wind.

Zambales was placed under red rainfall warning at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, but this was lowered to orange alert at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The PDRRMO said it remains on alert status and has prepositioned boats and equipment for possible deployment, as well as coordinated with provincial units of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Provincial Engineering Office and the Search and Rescue Team of the 69th Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army for needed mobilization. — Taktikom News & Features

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