Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Jonathan Magistrado

ABS-CBN News

Local officials in Santo Tomas, Pampanga have ordered a forced evacuation for residents living near the town’s flood control dikes after water from the Gugu River breached the protective structures late Saturday night.In an emergency video broadcast aired around 11:30 p.m. on August 29, 2026, Santo Tomas Mayor Johnny Sambo alerted the public about the worsening situation along the Gugu Dike following days of relentless heavy rainfall.“Meron po tayong hindi kanais-nais na balita dahil pumasok na po ang tubig ng Gugu River sa loob ng ating dike. Nag-overflow na po ang Gugu Dike,” Mayor Santos said, warning that the local check gate can no longer hold the incoming volume of water.Sambo stressed that the risk of a full breach is critical, leaving local disaster responders unable to conduct late-night rescue operations in submerged areas.“Nananawagan po ako sa aking mga kababayan na malapit sa dike, magkakaroon po ng forced evacuation. Sana po iligtas ninyo ang inyong mga sarili dahil wala na po kaming kakayahan na sunduin pa kayo sa inyong mga kinatitirahan ngayon,” the mayor said.Residents—particularly those residing near the tail dike—were advised to immediately evacuate to higher ground and designated evacuation structures, such as multi-story school buildings. Santos also urged neighbors to assist vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens and young children, during the overnight evacuation.On-the-ground accounts from local residents reflect the rapid escalation of the floodwaters overnight.Beth Manaloto, a resident of Santo Tomas, shared that the water levels nearly doubled as a critical section of the dike—previously reinforced with sandbags—appeared on the verge of giving way.&quot;Hindi pa tuluyang nasisira ang check gate [ng dike] pero lagpas tao na ang baha. Paano pa kung tuluyan nang masira? Hindi ko po alam kung may malilikasan pa, wala ho rescuer kanina,&quot; she said.According to Manaloto, flooding in nearby areas has already reached dangerous depths. Over at the adjacent corner near Bondoc Ville, floodwaters have surged past head height. Manaloto was able to capture video footage of the rising waters on Saturday morning before levels escalated further.&quot;Nagpapatay na po kami ng mga breaker at marami na po humihingi ng saklolo,&quot; Manaloto added, noting that households have begun shutting off main electrical circuit breakers for safety as distress calls from stranded neighbors continue to mount.

Local officials in Santo Tomas, Pampanga have ordered a forced evacuation for residents living near the town’s flood control dikes after water from the Gugu River breached the protective structures late Saturday night.

Local officials in Santo Tomas, Pampanga have ordered a forced evacuation for residents living near the town’s flood control dikes after water from the Gugu River breached the protective structures late Saturday night.

Forced evacuation ordered in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga as Gugu River overflows

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Forced evacuation ordered in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga as Gugu River overflows

Jonathan Magistrado,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 30, 2026 02:02 AM PHT

Read More:

Pampanga

Sto. Tomas

evacuation

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