PANGASINAN is stepping up its flood response as relentless southwest monsoon rains push river levels past critical thresholds, trigger flash floods and disrupt roads across several communities.

The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has mobilized rescue equipment and personnel while coordinating with local government units as authorities prepare for the possibility that flooding could worsen in the coming days.

The provincial disaster office raised its alert status from White to Blue at 8 p.m. on August 16, putting additional personnel and rescue assets on standby. GMA News reported that under Code Blue, 50 percent of personnel and rescue assets are prepared for possible deployment.

Rivers Cross Critical Levels

The latest monitoring showed just how quickly conditions can deteriorate.

The Marusay River reached nine feet, exceeding its eight-foot critical level, while the Sinocalan River climbed to 7.2 meters above sea level, also beyond its 7.0-meter critical threshold, according to the PDRRMO.

GMA News separately reported that the Marusay River in Calasiao, Sinocalan River in Sta. Barbara and Balincaguing River in Mabini were above critical levels as of 11 a.m. Monday, while the Cabatuan River in Alaminos was at critical level.

The danger is not limited to overflowing rivers.

Authorities said prolonged rainfall has left soil saturated, increasing the possibility of sudden surges of water flowing downstream. GMA reported that flash flooding struck Barangay Bongalon in Labrador and Barangay Laguit-Padilla in Bugallon, with some residents evacuated as floodwaters rose.

Rescue Assets Move Into Position

Rather than waiting for conditions to become critical, Pangasinan officials are prepositioning rescue assets in vulnerable locations.

Rescue resources have been positioned in Burgos, Tayug, San Fabian, San Nicolas, Bugallon and Barangay Malico.

In Mangatarem, authorities deployed a dump truck, rescue truck and search-and-rescue team to support evacuation and rescue operations.

The strategy reflects a broader disaster-response effort that has been underway in the province for days.

The Pangasinan provincial government previously reported that its PDRRMO had been maintaining 24/7 monitoring and coordinating with municipal and city disaster offices, while provincial teams were being deployed for evacuation, relief distribution and rescue operations.

Dozens of Barangays Underwater

As of August 17, the PIA reported flooding in 34 barangays across seven municipalities and one city, with flash flooding recorded in Labrador and Bugallon.

GMA News later reported flooding in 36 barangays across seven towns and one city, illustrating how quickly the situation was changing as rainfall continued. Another 73 barangays were reported to have receding floodwaters.

The difference between the figures is a reminder that flood conditions were still evolving and official assessments were being consolidated throughout the day.

Road access has also become a major concern.

According to PIA, nine barangay roads, two provincial roads and one national road were closed to light vehicles, while four barangay roads and another national road were closed to all vehicles. In Labrador, the provincial government provided free transportation to Lingayen after a route became impassable.

More Than 800,000 People Reported Affected

One of the most striking figures from the latest reports is the scale of the population affected by the weather disturbances.

The Pangasinan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office reported that 220,647 families, or 805,509 people, had been affected by the southwest monsoon and previous storms, according to GMA News.

PIA likewise reported an initial tally of 220,647 affected families across 365 barangays in 23 municipalities and three cities, while stressing that the figure remained subject to consolidation and updating.

At the time of the reports, 141 families or 496 individuals were staying in evacuation centers, while another 39 families or 114 individuals were staying outside evacuation centers, including with relatives.

Authorities Warn: The Water Could Rise Again

The biggest concern now may be what happens next.

Officials warned that saturated ground and continued rainfall could cause water to rush suddenly from upstream areas into already vulnerable communities.

Residents living near rivers, coastal areas, irrigation channels and dikes were specifically urged to avoid remaining in these locations because water levels can rise with little warning.

The provincial government has also requested food and non-food items from the Office of Civil Defense Region 1 for affected local government units, while weather advisories continue to be disseminated through local disaster offices, text alerts, response clusters and social media.

Pangasinan’s flood response is therefore shifting from simple monitoring to readiness for rapid deployment.

And with rivers already breaching critical levels, roads becoming impassable and saturated soil increasing the danger of sudden flooding, the next round of heavy rain could determine whether the current flooding stabilizes—or spreads into more communities.

What Residents Should Watch

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to:

• Monitor official weather and disaster advisories.
• Follow instructions from barangay and municipal disaster officials.
• Prepare essential medicines, documents, food, water and communication devices.
• Avoid crossing flooded roads or rapidly moving water.
• Stay away from rivers, irrigation channels, dikes and coastal areas when conditions deteriorate.
• Evacuate early when instructed rather than waiting for floodwaters to rise.

For Pangasinan, the message from disaster officials is increasingly clear: do not wait for the water to reach your doorstep before taking the warning seriously.