Over 200 residents evacuated in Las Piñas due to overnight flooding

MANILA — Around 208 individuals from 50 families in Barangay Pamplona Tres, Las Piñas City, evacuated their homes early Wednesday morning, July 9, following overnight rainfall that caused significant flooding in the area.

The displaced residents are currently seeking temporary shelter at the Verdant Covered Court, which is being used as an evacuation site.

The heavy downpour, which began Tuesday evening, led to a rapid rise in water levels, particularly in areas adjacent to the creek.

"Halos nahirapan po kaming lumikas kasi po yung taas po ng tubig ay abot na po sa tao, lampas tao na po kasi," recounted Marissa Varela, one of the evacuated residents.

Another resident, Aurora Manahon Corpus, said: "Sa takot ko nandun talaga kami sa ilog parang kinabahan ako nalikas muna ako."

Charlie Miranda, Operations Supervisor for the Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO) Pamplona Tres, confirmed the number of evacuees.

"Nasa 50 pamilya o 208 indibidwal ang nandito ngayon at nailikas mula kagabi," he stated.

While the rain has already subsided early Wednesday, residents were advised against returning home immediately.

Miranda said it would take time for the floods to recede completely in some affected areas.

"Sa tantya namin nito 2-3 days. Kung okay na ‘yung kanilang household kung nalinis na lahat, pwede na silang bumalik," he said, indicating a potential prolonged stay for the evacuees.

Eduardo Pascua, Team Leader of the Barangay Peace & Order in Pamplona Tres, attributed the severe flooding to the proximity of many affected homes to the creek.

"Bale ang dahilan po 'yan kasi lahat ng inabot ng baha halos katabi po ng creek eh. Umaraw po ‘yung river drive namin, usually ganun po talaga nangyayari," Pascua explained.

Barangay officials have already coordinated with the local government of Las Píñas to secure aid for the evacuees, Miranda confirmed. "Actually tomorrow morning pa ‘yung usapan namin galing sa local government… 'yung tulong na para sa kanila."

In the meantime, the barangay is preparing food and medicine for the displaced families.

Residents are permitted to briefly return to their homes to check on their belongings, but their safety remains the top priority at the evacuation center. "Safe sila dito," Miranda assured.

Authorities from the Barangay reported no fatalities or missing persons. One individual sustained a minor injury from stepping on glass during the evacuation but has since received medical attention and is in stable condition.