25 Camanava areas still flooded

MANILA, Philippines — At least 25 areas remained flooded in Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) yesterday, two days after Metro Manila was inundated due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

The Malabon disaster risk reduction and management office reported that 10 areas were still flooded yesterday, with floodwaters as deep as 19 inches.

The local government also placed the city under a state of calamity to ensure that relief and emergency operations would be conducted for families affected by the flood.

At least 1,245 families are currently staying in at least 31 evacuation centers in the city.

In Navotas, Mayor John Rey Tiangco reported that Barangay Tanza was still flooded while about 300 families remained in evacuation centers.

Both Malabon and Navotas were flooded due to the high tide and a navigational floodgate that was damaged on June 7 when a barge entered the section of the Malabon-Navotas River in Barangay Tanza Uno during low tide.

The damage allowed seawater to flood communities during high tide, reducing the effectiveness of Navotas’ 81 pumping stations.

Valenzuela reported 14 areas still submerged, with floodwaters as deep as 37 inches. Of the 14 areas, three were considered impassable to all types of vehicles, while three were not passable to light vehicles.

Funds for floodgate repair

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives committee on appropriation would provide funds for the immediate repair of the floodgate, Speaker Martin Romualdez said yesterday.

“The recent typhoon exposed critical weaknesses in our infrastructure, and the damaged Navotas floodgate significantly worsened flooding in Metro Manila. Immediate action is essential,” he said.

Romualdez instructed committee chairman and Ako Bikol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to allocate funds for the repair. — Sheila Crisostomo