Pampanga declares state of calamity

MANILA - The province of Pampanga is now under a state of calamity as nonstop rains and broken dikes caused floodwaters to rise fast. Governor Lilia Pineda on Tuesday said 18 towns are submerged in flood. Pineda is pleading to her constituents to evacuate or seek higher ground as soon as possible, saying the local government will not perform rescue operations at night. She also said officials are on standby with boats to help in their evacuation. "Iyung tubig, habagat last year, ngayon parang nagdouble tubig. Di namin inexpect na gainto laki at bilis taas ng tubig," she told ANC. "Panawagan, sana huwag na hintayin gabi. Dito sa Capitol declare ko na 'di kami magrerescue ng gabi. Madilim, mataas tubig, may namatay na rescuers dati," she added. - ANC, Top Story, August 20, 2013