AGNO, PANGASINAN — Authorities carried out a pre-emptive evacuation in parts of Agno, Pangasinan as persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continued to raise concerns over flooding and other weather-related hazards.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted the evacuation operation on August 29, moving nine families or 25 individuals from vulnerable areas to safer locations, according to a report by Bombo Radyo.
Among those evacuated were residents of Purok Pag-asa in Barangay Poblacion East and Sitio San Bruno in Barangay Bangan-Oda.
The operation was undertaken as a precautionary measure amid the continuing effects of Habagat, with authorities closely watching for worsening rainfall, flooding and other potential dangers.
FLOODING ALREADY AFFECTING PARTS OF AGNO
The evacuation came as flooding was being reported in parts of Agno.
GMA News reported that several residents in Agno were evacuated after local authorities advised families in flood-prone communities to leave their homes. The Agno Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also reported that the road leading to Cayungnan Road was completely submerged and impassable to all types of vehicles as of the morning of August 29.
The situation underscores why local officials and emergency responders have been pushing residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate before conditions become more dangerous.
PAGASA RAISES RED WARNING OVER PANGASINAN
The weather threat remains serious.
As of 11 a.m. on August 30, PAGASA’s Northern Luzon regional office had Pangasinan under a Red Rainfall Warning due to the continuing effects of the Southwest Monsoon.
PAGASA warned of serious flooding and landslides, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, and urged residents and disaster risk reduction offices to continue monitoring weather conditions and prepare for possible impacts.
PAGASA’s flood monitoring system also listed the Agno River basin under Flood Watch, adding another layer of concern for communities vulnerable to rising water levels.
PANGASINAN HAS ALREADY SEEN WIDESPREAD FLOODING
The latest evacuation in Agno is part of a broader weather emergency affecting Pangasinan.
Earlier in August, more than 25,000 families or over 93,000 individuals across 96 barangays in the province were reported affected by enhanced Habagat and Tropical Storm Maymay, according to the Philippine Information Agency. Authorities credited continuous monitoring, early warnings and pre-emptive evacuations with helping prevent casualties during that episode.
More recently, Bombo Radyo reported that more than 51,500 families from 183 barangays in Pangasinan had been affected by heavy rains associated with Habagat, while authorities continued pre-emptive evacuations in areas considered vulnerable to flooding.
On August 30, several municipalities in Pangasinan were also placed under a state of calamity following severe flooding caused by persistent rains. Bombo Radyo reported that Infanta, Bugallon, Lingayen, Mangatarem, Bayambang, Sta. Barbara, Guagua City and Mangaldan were among the areas placed under the declaration.
COAST GUARD REMAINS ON ALERT
The Philippine Coast Guard has also heightened its readiness in Northern Luzon as the Habagat continues to affect the region.
Coast Guard District North Western Luzon said it had prepared 60 response groups involving around 400 personnel, along with land and floating assets for possible search-and-rescue operations, maritime patrols and evacuation assistance.
The heightened readiness is particularly important as flooding can rapidly worsen in low-lying communities and near waterways during prolonged periods of heavy rain.
RESIDENTS URGED NOT TO WAIT FOR FLOODWATERS TO RISE
For residents in Agno and other flood-prone areas of Pangasinan, authorities continue to emphasize early action.
The latest evacuation of nine families demonstrates the purpose of pre-emptive evacuation: moving people before conditions become life-threatening rather than waiting for rescue operations after flooding intensifies.
With Pangasinan still under a Red Rainfall Warning, residents in vulnerable communities are being urged to closely monitor official advisories, follow evacuation orders and avoid unnecessary travel through flooded roads and waterways.
For now, the immediate priority remains clear: get vulnerable residents to safety while emergency teams continue monitoring the situation.
But with heavy rain still affecting Pangasinan and serious flooding and landslide risks identified by PAGASA, authorities are preparing for the possibility that the situation could worsen before it improves.
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