EDITORIAL - Disaster mitigation

It’s been nearly two years since typhoon “Ondoy” spawned cataclysmic flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. The flooding was aggravated by more rains brought by typhoon “Pepeng.” What has been done since then?

Rubber boats for rescue have been acquired. The government has been conducting periodic dredging of Pasig River and major waterways as well as clearing drainage systems of obstructions. But the flood control capacity is simply not sufficient to handle another Ondoy-type flood. This was admitted yesterday by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson as the government prepared for the onset of the rainy season.

Singson said his department needed to quadruple its resources to handle flooding on the scale spawned by Ondoy. Drainage mains have become heavily silted, and even if the department has cleared the national drainage system of obstructions, it can be affected by clogged local and lateral systems, according to Singson.

Metro Manila suffered the consequences the other weekend, when a torrential downpour that lasted less than an hour caused massive flooding in most areas. The water subsided quickly, but that was because the downpour was brief. What happens when the rain lasts several hours, or several days, which can happen during the monsoon season?

Among the most vulnerable communities are those sitting on the Laguna de Bay flood plain. Other than encouraging residents in these vulnerable areas to relocate, the best that authorities can do at this time for disaster mitigation is to be ready with an efficient flood warning system and evacuation facilities.

Outside Metro Manila, dam operators should have improved their coordination with local authorities in warning about the release of water from the dams during heavy rains. Weather forecasters now have better equipment to predict the amount of rainfall. This information is crucial for evacuation, for suspending classes and office work, and for guidance in all types of transportation.

It will take time and large investments before flood control capacity can be sufficiently upgraded, but disaster mitigation can be improved. The public works chief has said the nation still can’t handle another Ondoy. There’s no stopping nature’s fury, but preparedness and timely warning can save lives.