DINALUPIHAN, Bataan — Raging floodwaters swept away nine houses near the Pita River in Barangay Pita, Dinalupihan, as persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, intensified across Bataan.
The incident was reported Thursday, September 3, with the force of the floodwaters destroying the homes located close to the river.
As of the latest report, it remained unclear whether anyone was inside the houses when they were swept away.
Dinalupihan Mayor German Santos said hundreds of residents living near the river were ordered to evacuate and were brought to shelters operated by the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office.
The situation highlights the growing danger faced by communities situated along waterways as prolonged monsoon rains continue to saturate parts of Bataan.
Dinalupihan placed under serious flood threat
The flooding came as PAGASA maintained a heightened rainfall warning over Bataan.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, September 4, PAGASA placed Dinalupihan under a Red Warning Level for heavy rainfall, warning that serious flooding could occur in flood-prone areas. Several other municipalities in Bataan were under an Orange Warning Level, meaning flooding remained a threat.
PAGASA has also continued to identify Bataan among areas being affected by the southwest monsoon. The weather agency has warned that persistent Habagat rains can produce dangerous flooding, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated.
The latest weather outlook from The Philippine Star likewise reported that the southwest monsoon was expected to bring a severe impact to parts of Luzon, including Bataan, with prolonged disruption to normal activities possible in affected communities.
Bataan already dealing with extensive flood damage
The destruction in Dinalupihan is part of a wider flooding crisis that has affected communities across Bataan.
The provincial government previously reported that the province had suffered P56.53 million in damage to properties, agriculture and infrastructure following heavy rains associated with Habagat.
The assessment covered 2,490 farmers and fisherfolk and 1,752 hectares of agricultural land. Officials also recorded livestock losses worth about P4.29 million, while 225 houses were damaged, including 14 totally damaged homes.
The hardest-hit areas included portions of Mariveles, Hermosa and low-lying communities in Dinalupihan.
The provincial government has since intensified relief operations. More than 157,000 food packs had been distributed to affected communities as of September 1, according to the Bataan provincial government.
Flood danger remains
The flooding also comes after weeks of persistent monsoon activity that have affected large parts of the country.
GMA News previously reported that residents in Dinalupihan, including members of the Aeta community, spent several days in evacuation centers after nonstop rains triggered flash floods and minor landslides. More than 4,000 people affected by the flooding later received food packs and other assistance.
PAGASA’s latest flood monitoring also showed the Pampanga River Basin under a Flood Watch, underscoring the continuing risk across parts of Central Luzon.
For residents in flood-prone communities, authorities continue to urge vigilance, particularly as rising rivers, sudden flooding and landslides can develop rapidly during periods of intense rainfall.
For now, the priority in Dinalupihan remains clear: get residents away from dangerous waterways and into safer areas before conditions deteriorate further.
The full extent of damage from the latest flooding, including possible additional effects on farms and infrastructure, remains under assessment.
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