Hundreds of families in Central Luzon were displaced by flashfloods caused by rains brought on by tropical depression Pablo (international codename Higos).

At least 12 villages in Candaba, Pampanga were submerged in floodwaters after the Malisik Dike gave way Thursday morning, causing the flashfloods.

Residents said the dike gave way because it cannot hold back the large amount of floodwaters from Aurora, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.

Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo has activated rescue and relief teams of the municipality to assist the displaced families from the 12 villages..

Pelayo said they are bracing for more similar incidents as they expect other dikes to burst because of the Malisik Dike's damage.

Initial reports said 78-year-old Antonio Pelayo died after being carried away by the flashflood.

Meanwhile, four towns in Nueva Ecija were also flooded because of another flashflood, which happened before dawn Thursday.

The flashflood, which rushed through the riverside villages of the towns of Gapan, San Leonardo, General Tinio and Bungabong, took place after the Peñaranda River overflowed.

Nueva Ecija Governor Oyie Umali, meanwhile, blamed the flashflood to the illegal logging operations in the province.

"Ang kalikasan 'pag nagalit talaga naniningil eh. Siguro nandito na rin 'yung pang-aabuso sa kalikasan na talagang mag-umpisa na tayong mag-reforest sa area na 'yun. At the same time, isang call na i-break na 'yung daanan ng tubig especially mga ilog," Umali said.

Floodwaters subsided at around 10 a.m., and residents were able to return to their homes in the afternoon. With reports from Ron Gagalac, Jay Ruiz, and Zyann Ambrosio, ABS-CBN News