Zambales and Bataan declare emergency after monsoon floods

The provinces of Zambales and Bataan in the western Philippines have declared a state of emergency following severe flooding caused by nearly three weeks of relentless southwest monsoon rains, known locally as ‘habagat’.

In Zambales, over 17,000 residents from approximately 5,770 families have been affected. The flooding, exacerbated by a breached protective dike in San Marcelino, has buried homes in thick sediment and mud. Infrastructure damage in Zambales is estimated at 569.27 million pesos, with recovery costs projected at 84 million pesos. The destruction of the Sta. Fe bridge has also cut off several communities from town centers.

In Bataan, the impact is widespread, affecting roughly 793,330 residents. Reports indicate that 225 houses were damaged, with 14 completely destroyed. The most severely impacted areas include low-lying communities in Mariveles, Hermosa, and Dinalupihan. While some roads near the Bataan Freeport Area have become passable again, allowing factories to resume operations, the region continues to deal with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall.