Another portion of the tail dike in Minalin, Pampanga collapsed early Thursday morning due to the strong river current.
Minalin Mayor Philip Siojo Naguit said part of the San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin Tail Dike at Barangay San Nicolas is now impassable to all three-wheel and four-wheel vehicles.
In a social media post, the mayor also said only residents on motorcycles who are buying necessities are allowed to pass along the partially damaged tail dike road.
Naguit said the collapsed portion is about 60 meters away from the section of the tail dike at Barangay Sta. Catalina that was breached by raging currents on August 30.
The Sta. Catalina portion of the tail dike is currently being reinforced by the Department of Public Works and Highways to mitigate flooding in affected villages.
Meanwhile, Naguit appealed to boat owners and helmsmen fetching passengers in deeply flooded areas of his town to be more considerate in charging fees.
‘I am making a sincere appeal to boat operators. I know I cannot regulate your rates, but we are in a time when our fellow citizens are struggling financially. I hope you will not raise your charges. I understand you are working to earn a living, but please do not take advantage of the situation,’ he said in the vernacular. The mayor did not reveal how much the fees are being contested.
Several Minalin residents who commented on the post lauded the mayor’s appeal.
‘Thank you for pointing out the boat fare. It is so expensive. I hope no one takes advantage of the situation because it is heartbreaking to see those who cannot afford the fare forced to wade and walk through the dirty water,’ a Minalin resident said.