Floods displace 97 families in Olongapo City

A resident in Olongapo City crosses a bridge where the river’s water level underneath rose to a critical level due to the incessant rains on Thursday, July 29. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

OLONGAPO CITY—At least 97 families or 297 individuals were taken to different evacuation sites in this city after torrential rains caused rivers to swell, flood low-lying areas and trigger landslides, officials said on Thursday (July 29).

Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. told the Inquirer that the displaced residents were from the villages of Mabayuan, New Ilalim, New Kababae, Kalaklan, Barretto and Gordon Heights.

Paulino said the evacuees would temporarily stay in nine evacuation sites, including a health center and public schools.

The rivers traversing Mabayuan, Sta. Rita and Kalaklan began to overflow their banks following overnight heavy rainfall. The high tide worsened the flood on Thursday afternoon.