MANILA, Philippines -- Officials and residents of flood-ravaged Pateros, considered as the poorest local government unit in the metropolis, slammed, on Tuesday, the apparent neglect of the national government of their plight.

"We have the least government resources in Metro Manila and yet not one of our national government agencies bothered to help us," lamented Mayor Joey Medina.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Medina said six of the town's 10 villages were still swamped by waist-deep floodwaters dumped by storm "Ondoy."

"Unlike in Marikina and other places, the floodwaters here have not receded. Rather, the floods continue to rise. We are really worried that it may take months before the water subsides," he said.

Over 1,200 families or 5,000 individuals were camped in public schools, covered courts and barangay (village) halls since Saturday, he said.

The mayor said close to 4,500 families, or about 20,000 persons, were also staying in their flooded homes.

According to Medina, the relief goods provided by the municipal government and private individuals could no longer support the needs of the evacuees.

"Our food items are good only until today (Tuesday)," he said, adding that residents displaced by the floods were also afraid that the stagnant water might cause mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.

Medina cancelled classes in all school levels in Pateros until Friday.