Sudden burst of rain floods major streets

Several areas in Cebu City were once again submerged in floodwaters yesterday afternoon due to at least two hours of heavy downpour but the City Disaster Coordinating Council said no major accidents occurred here. 

Covered with floodwaters include Colon, Bonifacio, Jakosalem, and V. Gullas streets in the downtown area while an area near the Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel along A.S. Fortuna in barangay Banilad was reportedly covered with waist-deep floodwater.

Because of the floodwater, Colon, Bonifacio, Jakosalem and V. Gullas were almost impassable, as heavy traffic occurred when vehicles were careful not to have their engines turn off in the middle of the flood. 

Marie Mignon Nillama, public relations officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways, said it is inevitable that flooding would occur during heavy downpours considering that drainage in the downtown area can only accommodate the normal volume of rainwater.

Meanwhile, drainage in sloppy areas such as barangay Banilad is reportedly narrower that is why it could not hold much water.

She also attributed the flooding to the garbage that has clogged up the drainage, especially in the downtown area. 

CCDCC Action Officer Alvin Santillana said they are continuously monitoring the situation here in the city to preempt possible disasters caused by heavy rain.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration said there is no threat of tropical cyclone in the Philippine area of responsibility and that yesterday’s gloomy weather was caused by the inter-tropical convergence zone that affected the entire country.

Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are more likely to be experienced until today, PAGASA said. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO