MMDA monitoring 17 flood-prone areas in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is monitoring 17 areas earlier identified as flood-prone as the agency set up personnel and equipment in these areas, an official said yesterday.

MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office head Maxima Quiambao said they are particularly concerned with the entire stretch of EDSA, from Taft Avenue in Pasay City to Monumento in Caloocan City.

Quiambao said the MMDA is also focusing on a portion of Julia Vargas street in Mandaluyong near Megamall and Santolan Avenue in Quezon City. 

According to Quiambao, there is flooding in Santolan as there is a mismatch in the diameters of the drainage pipes from Camp Aguinaldo to Main Avenue.

“From Camp Aguinaldo, the drainpipe is 36 inches in diameter but the water will have to go to a drainpipe along Main Avenue that is 24 inches in diameter,” she said.

To help remedy the situation, Quiambao said the MMDA has positioned a vacuum truck in the area to help drain floodwater during a heavy downpour.

Aside from EDSA, Quiambao said they are also monitoring conditions in 16 other identified flood-prone areas, including España Boulevard in Manila, Roxas Boulevard and the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City.

Quiambao said there is flooding at the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard as leaves and other debris easily clog the inlets that drain the floodwater.

She said they have deployed personnel to declog the inlets, which are being widened to allow floodwater to drain faster. 

The MMDA earlier deployed 200 personnel and set up pumps and vacuum trucks to flood-prone areas in anticipation of heavy rains from thunderstorms.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency has on standby five military M35 trucks to help ferry commuters trapped in flooded areas along España Boulevard and EDSA.

Tolentino identified Santolan, Megamall, Tiendesitas, España, Katipunan, Osmeña Highway, South Superhighway and Skyway-Buendia as “crucial areas.”