Rain brought ‘too much’ water

CEBU, Philippines - Yesterday’s rain that severely inundated many areas of Metro Cebu was way over the maximum water volume that could cause flooding, the state weather bureau reported yesterday.

“From 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. we recorded 60.7 millimeters of rain…  At 40 millimeters (of rainwater), there is already flooding (in Cebu),” said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astro nomical Services Administration-Visayas Director Oscar Tabada.  He made the statement during a Cebu City Council special session yesterday, when he brief members on weather condition and forecast and on what caused the massive flooding.

The non-stop heavy rain, Tabada said, was caused by tropical storm Mario enhancing the effects of the southwest monsoon.

Cebu City Risk Reduction Management operations Chief Alvin Santillana said the City Command Center has monitored 30 mm of rainwater at 4 a.m. yesterday dawn.

“Red flag na ni nato nga level because at 15 mm magpadala na gani ta’g Kaoshiung buses to ferry stranded commuters,” he said.

He recalled that in 1912, an estimated 80 mm of rainwater poured in Cebu in six hours, causing Buhisan dam to collapse and claim lives,”

Meanwhile, Tabada said that changes in actual weather patterns have also affected the projected El Nino phenomenon.  He said that because the El Nino started last July, a month later than was forecasted to happen, the effects of the dry spell would also be felt in November, or a month later than what was projected.

Tabada reiterated the importance of maximizing the rainy season by storing water, which can be used when the dry spell starts.  (FREEMAN)