By: Robin Caballero, Regional Correspondent

CALUMPIT, Bulacan – The municipal government of Calumpit has declared a state of calamity after days of heavy rains submerged all 29 barangays, displacing residents and prompting authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations.

Mayor Glorime “Lem” Faustino approved the declaration Tuesday following a recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).

The local government cited worsening flooding in low-lying communities, the increasing number of families staying in evacuation centers, and the need to expedite emergency interventions.

Continuous rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat have inundated several communities, with some roads transformed into waterways.

Residents in severely flooded areas have reportedly been forced to use small boats or wade through waist- to head-high floodwaters, while others have remained indoors amid concerns over waterborne diseases, including leptospirosis.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Barangay Gugo, which serves as a catchment area for floodwaters draining from nearby municipalities and upstream provinces.

Persistent flooding has also disrupted agricultural activities in Gugo, with some farmers reportedly turning to fishing or relying on municipal assistance as their farms remain submerged.

With the declaration, the municipal government can utilize its Quick Response Fund to procure essential commodities, medical supplies and emergency equipment for affected residents.

A price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities has likewise been implemented to prevent unreasonable price increases during the emergency.

Disaster monitoring teams and personnel from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office remain deployed in affected communities to distribute relief packs, monitor river levels and assist in evacuation efforts.

Authorities continued to urge residents in high-risk areas to follow evacuation orders and other safety advisories as heavy rains persist.