Zambales under state of calamity after widespread flooding, damage

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — The entire province of Zambales has been placed under a state of calamity following widespread flooding, landslides and damage to critical infrastructure caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones.

According to Rolex Estella, chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) on Friday (Aug. 21), the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the declaration following the council’s recommendation.

The PDRRMC, in Resolution No. 02, Series of 2026, cited the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones “Luis” and “Maymay,” which affected communities across the province.

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Based on their situational report 5,770 families or 17,317 individuals had been affected by the disaster.

The resolution cited the displacement of residents in several communities, including around 119 residents of Barangay Sta. Fe in San Marcelino who were forced to leave their homes due to flooding.

The Sta. Fe Bridge was also swept away by strong river currents, isolating residents on the northern side of the village from the southern portion.

The province also sustained extensive damage to flood-control and river protection structures. Department of Public Works and Highways assessments placed infrastructure damage at P390.2 million, with estimated recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction needs of P966.2 million.

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Additional flood-control damage reported by municipal disaster offices was estimated at P96.85 million, with recovery needs of P114 million.

The agricultural sector also sustained significant losses, with rice damage affecting 1,007 farmers and 810.48 hectares, resulting in reported losses of P11.2 million. 

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Damage was also reported in high-value crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, agricultural infrastructure, irrigation facilities and farm machinery.

The PDRRMC said the declaration would help strengthen coordination of response, relief, early recovery and rehabilitation efforts for affected communities.

The council also noted that Masinloc had separately declared a municipal state of calamity on Aug. 17 due to widespread flooding, property damage and disruption.

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The provincial government and concerned local government units are expected to continue validating and updating damage and needs assessments as recovery and rehabilitation efforts proceed. INQ /mr