The municipal government of Calasiao in Pangasinan declared a state of calamity on Wednesday due to severe flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha) over the weekend, compounded by the southwest monsoon, which continues to bring water from upland areas.
Mayor Patrick Caramat announced the declaration on his official Facebook page, stating that the widespread flooding in the town prompted his recommendation, as chair of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), to the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council). “Aprubado na po ito ng Sangguniang Bayan kaya’t mailalaan na po ang nakatabing pondo ng lokal na pamahalaan para sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan (It has been approved by the Municipal Council, hence the local government can now use the funds intended for response to the residents),” he said.
The declaration, outlined in the municipal council’s Resolution No. 43, series of 2025, aims to ensure the safety of the people and their livelihoods from the ongoing rain.
In a phone interview, Calasiao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office spokesperson Christine Joy Soriano reported that as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, 69 families, or 252 individuals, are currently in various evacuation centers, with the number expected to rise as rescue operations continue. She noted that 22 of the town’s 24 villages are experiencing flooding, with 18 of those reporting floodwaters between 3 to 5 feet deep.
The Marusay River, a tributary in Calasiao, is above critical level, contributing to the flooding in low-lying areas of the town. Soriano confirmed that there have been no reported casualties so far.
In response to the situation, the local government is providing free rides for residents during the day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick-up points are located at Calasiao Plaza, with routes passing through the villages of Mancup, Malabago, and Buenlag to Jollibee.Bookmark messageCopy message