For almost three weeks, Luzon has been battered by a series of storms and an intensified southwest monsoon. The first storm, Tropical Storm Dodong (internationally known as Talim), did not make landfall but still caused one death and affected 66,400 families or 200,000 individuals in Ilocos provinces, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, and Metro Manila due to its heavy monsoon rains. Next, Super Typhoon Egay (Doksuri) made landfall in Fuga Island, Aparri Cagayan, and Dalupiri Island before moving towards Fujian, China. A total of 17,000 people were forced to evacuate in regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Region 6. Approximately 650,000 families or 2.3 million people were affected by the storms, resulting in 25 reported deaths, 52 injuries, and 20 missing persons. The affected areas reported 845 flooding incidents, with an estimated P1.9 billion worth of damage to agriculture. Currently, Typhoon Falcon (Khanun) is located far from the mainland but its heavy monsoon rains are causing floods in various regions including the Cordillera region, Cagayan Valley, Pangasinan, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Western Visayas. Up to 50 to 100 mm of heavy rainfall is expected to affect these areas in the next five days. The Agno and Pampanga River basins have already experienced rising water levels, leading to overflowing tributaries. Central Luzon has been particularly affected, with areas such as Zaragosa, N.E., San Simon, Macabebe, Masantol in Pampanga, and Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong in Bulacan being overwhelmed by persistent floods. Rescue operations are ongoing in these areas, but it is uncertain when the floods will recede due to the continuous heavy monsoon rains caused by Typhoon Falcon. The recent storms, Dodong, Egay, and Falcon, serve as a reminder of the devastating duo of Typhoon Pepang (Parma) and Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) that struck Metro Manila and Rizal province in 2009. These consecutive storms affected 9.3 million people, resulting in 958 deaths, 700 injuries, and 84 missing persons. It is essential for the residents of Metro Manila and Central Luzon to reflect on the lessons learned from these past disasters. Historical accounts reveal the significant floods that occurred in Central Luzon in 1972 when five successive typhoons named Edeng, Gloring, Huaning, Isang, and Konsing hit the Philippines, resulting in over 700 deaths and a month-long period of rainfall. These floods were so severe that the Pampanga River, Rio Chico, and Agno River seemed to disappear, and parts of Central Luzon were transformed into a vast ocean. It is crucial for the government to take long-term measures to address these recurring floods. The establishment of massive water impounding facilities in Central Luzon, as well as large storm drains similar to those in Los Angeles, could prevent street flash floods. The construction of a Paranaque Spillway project, which will drain water from the heavily silted Laguna Lake to Manila Bay, should also be prioritized. Additionally, the government should revive and expand previously closed water sources, such as the Lumot Dam, Caliraya Dam, and Wawa Dam, as well as proceed with the construction of the Laiban Dam to ensure a stable water supply for Metro Manila. It is crucial to focus on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Finally, it is essential for the national government to address the issue of ineffective estero dredging operations that have led to unfinished flood projects and corruption within the DPWH and MMDA. A recent COA report flagged down the MMDA for 33 out of 47 unfinished foreign-assisted flood projects worth P825 million, with “red tape on procurement” being the primary reason for the delay. We must take action to prevent future floods and ensure the stability of our water supply. On a positive note, Metro Manila’s main water resource, Angat Dam, has reached its normal operating capacity after rising by 16.95 meters. If three or more tropical cyclones occur, the dam can reach the target high water level of 212 meters, ensuring a stable water supply for the coming months and the El Niño phenomenon. Ipo Dam has opened one gate, and La Mesa Dam is close to overflowing at 79.79 meters. As a result, Maynilad, which normally derives its water from Ipo Dam, has been instructed to temporarily share the overflowing La Mesa Dam with Manila Water. To further secure our water supply, the Maharlika Fund should revive and expand previously closed water sources such as the Lumot Dam (1951), Caliraya Dam (1945), and the Wawa Dam (built in the 1900s for NCR but abandoned in the 1950s). Additionally, the construction of the Laiban Dam, which draws water from the Kaliwa Watershed, should be expedited. By utilizing our natural and abundant water resources, we can ensure a stable water supply for all.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
