TARLAC, Philippines — Tarlac Province has been placed under a state of calamity after relentless rains from the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, triggered widespread flooding, damaged infrastructure and disrupted communities across the province.
The declaration was approved under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 416-2026 following a recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), according to reports from GMA News and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Provincial authorities said the disaster has made major roads impassable and caused significant damage to agricultural areas, homes and other properties.
But the flooding crisis took an even more alarming turn after two key bridges in Tarlac City were severely damaged or collapsed within days of each other.
A portion of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge in San Isidro collapsed amid powerful river currents and continuous rains. Subsequent reporting by the Inquirer said another portion of the bridge gave way on Sunday, worsening the damage and further disrupting access to several municipalities.
Then, on Saturday night, Agana Bridge collapsed, sending a vehicle carrying five people into the river. One passenger was rescued, while search and rescue teams continued efforts to locate the remaining four passengers as of the latest reports. The Philippine Air Force and other government response teams joined the search operation.
Vital Routes Cut Off
The damage to the Aquino and Agana bridges has created a major transportation challenge for residents and commuters. According to the Inquirer, the bridges serve as important links connecting Tarlac City with municipalities including Sta. Ignacia, Mayantoc, Camiling, San Clemente and San Jose.
Authorities have begun implementing rerouting measures, while heavy equipment has reportedly been deployed to support recovery efforts, including plans to establish a temporary Bailey bridge in the affected area.
More Rain Could Worsen the Situation
The declaration comes as authorities continue to monitor dangerous weather conditions across Central Luzon and other parts of the country. PAGASA had warned of continued monsoon rains and issued a Red Rainfall Warning for several areas of Tarlac, signaling the possibility of serious flooding in vulnerable locations.
The wider impact of the Habagat has also been felt across Luzon, with the Office of Civil Defense reporting hundreds of flooded areas across multiple regions on Sunday.
For Tarlac residents, however, the declaration of a state of calamity is more than an administrative measure. It underscores the scale of a disaster that has already displaced families, damaged livelihoods and cut off critical routes.
As floodwaters continue to threaten communities and rescue teams search for those still missing, one question now hangs over the province: how much more damage can Tarlac endure if the rains continue?
Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone and high-risk areas to remain alert, follow official evacuation and safety advisories, and avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and damaged infrastructure.
This is a developing story.
Leave a Reply