By Ruben A.Veloria

 

ZAMBALES, Philippines – While workers are occupied repairing the damaged slope protection dike in Bucao River in Botolan town, two more dikes in towns of Cabangan and San Felipe were reportedly damaged due to strong river current brought by heavy monsoon rain.

In an ocular inspection conducted by Zambales 2nd District Representative Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz and DPWH District Engineer Engr. Dennis Decin along major river channels in towns of Cabangan and San Felipe, found parts of the dikes were already damaged by lahar flowing down from slopes of Mt. Pinatubo.

If went undetected, communities along Cabangan River would have been in danger, including Cadmang-Reserva and Banua Bayo in town of Cabangan, and Sto. Niño, San Narciso.

Application of immediate solution to the damaged dikes such as sandbagging were mobilized to avert more damage to the dikes, while waiting for stronger and better solutions to arrive.

Earlier this week, the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) under the supervision of Zambales Provincial Consultant on Development and Infrastructure Engr. Domingo Mariano, responded to the reported encroachment of lahar from Mt. Pinatubo causing severe damages to protective dike along Bucao River.

Heavy equipment and machineries were deployed in the area to repair the damaged portion of the dike and prevent flood water from flooding four barangays in the Botolan town.

Meanwhile, more than 7,000 individuals were evacuated in various parts of the province which were flooded due to continuous heavy downpour for several days caused by monsoon rain.

Reports from Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, about 7,046 individuals from 2,441 families were evacuated to safer locations. And an estimated ₱1.3 million worth of agricultural products were destroyed.