Marcos calls for updated hazard maps

MANILA, Philippines — In the aftermath of the destructive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Enteng and as the threat of another typhoon in the next few days looms, President Marcos has called for the updating of flood hazard maps, citing changes in the course of flood waters.

“Although we already have it, we still have to (update flood hazard maps),” Marcos said. “It’s an old plan and it was relevant for maybe five, six, maybe even more, maybe 10 years ago. The weather has changed. So, we have to revise it to make sure that it is addressing the challenges that the new weather is bringing.”

“We will just keep responding. But at the same time, we are not only sending relief goods, we are very, very busy planning the large-scale, long-term plan,” the Chief Executive added.

Marcos said it has become very difficult for the weather bureau to forecast the “very changeable” weather.

“It’s that big a change... That is what we have to deal with... And I think we’ll be able to manage it but we have to come up with new strategies, new long-term solutions that might take a little time before they take effect but we will rush it as quickly as possible,” he added.

During a situation briefing on the impact of Enteng in Antipolo City last Friday, Marcos asked officials about the cause of the flooding, even if it was not as heavy as during previous typhoons.

The President pointed out that the volume of water during Enteng was even less than what Carina had unleashed in July, inundating many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

He added that some Metro Manila areas that had not experienced flooding in 15 years became submerged during Carina.

“You know, we can always just say it’s climate change and it is. But we have to really study the course of the water, what changed,” Marcos said.

“What we’re going to have to do here is we’re going to have to really look and see what are the changes that have happened,” he added.

Marcos said the heavy flooding in Enteng-hit areas was caused by the southwest monsoon, high tide and garbage.

He also expressed belief that overpopulation has something to do with flooding, as construction of dwellings may have changed the terrain and blocked waterways.

“It really has to do with overpopulation. But anyway, I just wanted to know from your experience if this is a typical occurrence. Apparently not. So, we’ll have to adjust accordingly,” Marcos said.

“So, you can see the enormous difference of what the terrain is having to deal with. Whereas there was a forest cover on the uphill areas. That’s all gone because houses have been built,” he pointed out.

Despite the situation, Marcos said the government would not just ask people in the affected areas to leave their homes.

“It’s not as if you can send the people away. We have to adjust around the population,” he said.

Rizal Gov. Nina Ynares said the floods were caused by “aggravating factors” that caused a domino effect, including the volume of water and the disposal of waste.

At the same briefing, the environment department said an analysis of flood dynamics in Rizal revealed that “very dense” housing projects was one of the primary reasons for flooding in the province and nearby areas.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) urged the public to adopt precautionary measures in order to prevent accidents in their homes and offices as a result of bad weather.

“This is to remind workers to be on alert for any threats to health and safety,” DOLE said in an advisory.

The department stressed the importance of conducting hazard identification and risk assessment in areas such as workplaces.

“There is a need to enforce control measures to prevent mishaps, accidents and illnesses brought by inclement weather,” DOLE noted.

Enteng exited the Philippine area of responsibility early Wednesday but continued to enhance the southwest monsoon days after. — Rhodina Villanueva