President Marcos has ordered a reexamination of the flood control designs following his assessment of the conditions in Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces.
This directive came after he inspected Valenzuela and Navotas. These two cities were severely impacted by the recent severe weather. During his third State of the Nation Address, President Marcos highlighted the completion of over 5,500 flood control projects.
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“They have made flood control measures, and yet we have these floods,” he stated. “We have to relook, we have to reexamine some of the designs of our flood control measures.”
Furthermore, Marcos noted that Typhoon Carina’s impact was greater than that of Ondoy, which also affected the capital. “The floods this time are wider in scope. More areas ended up flooded, unlike during Ondoy. And yet we have more flood control projects now.”
Marcos’s flood control order identified climate change, high tides, and improper garbage disposal as key contributors to flooding. He pointed out that the mishandling of waste by Filipinos has clogged essential flood management facilities, including pumping stations.
Navotas and Valenzuela City each have 81 and 32 pumping stations, respectively.
“The disconnect between the administration’s claims and the reality on the ground is alarming, ” Rep. Arlene Brosas stated last Thursday.
She echoed similar sentiments regarding the current flood control projects and, along with fellow lawmakers, urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to take program reviews seriously.
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During the rage of Typhoon Carina, social media flooded with stories and images. Many shared poignant pictures of residents stranded on their roofs, waiting for rescue. Others even depicted the depth of the flood, with individuals attempting to walk through the murky waters.
Carina departed from the Philippines at 6:20 AM on Thursday. However, experts warn that the typhoon’s exit could intensify the southwest monsoon, potentially triggering heavy rainfall in the Ilocos region.
The response efforts for Typhoon Carina are still ongoing.
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