By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to ensure a swift response and prioritize the safety of residents as heavy rains triggered widespread flooding in several parts of Metro Manila on Monday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos remained focused on the situation in Metro Manila and other areas affected by the continuous heavy rains, directing agencies to ensure that assistance reaches residents affected by flooding.
“Utos ng Pangulo sa lahat ng ahensya na iprayoridad ang kaligtasan ng mga residente at siguruhing maaabot ng tulong ang mga nasalanta ng baha (The President has ordered all agencies to prioritize the safety of residents and ensure that assistance reaches those affected by the flooding),” Castro said in a Palace briefing Tuesday.
The Office of Civil Defense activated response cluster member agencies to assist affected local government units and residents, while search and rescue teams remain on standby.
The government has also ordered free rides in Metro Manila amid disruptions caused by flooding, while relief, clearing and medical assistance operations continue in affected areas.
The heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) caused massive flooding in several parts of the capital region, leaving motorists and commuters stranded and rendering several roads impassable for hours.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration recorded 201.7 millimeters of rain at its Science Garden station in Quezon City from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.
Of the total, 138.7 mm, or roughly seven days’ worth of the area’s average August rainfall, fell within only two hours — noon to 2 p.m.
Quezon City’s average rainfall for August is 568.5 mm
Marikina river project
Amid the flooding, Castro highlighted the role of the ongoing Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, saying the project helped prevent the Marikina River from overflowing.
“Dahil sa proyektong ito, hindi umapaw ang ilog at naprotektahan ang mga residente ng Marikina at Pasig City mula sa matinding baha (Because of this project, the river did not overflow and residents of Marikina and Pasig City were protected from severe flooding),” she said.
Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite the construction of flood mitigation structures along the Marikina River in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The project is currently 53 percent complete and includes floodgates, pumping stations and other structures designed to improve water control along the Manggahan Floodway.
Once completed, the project is expected to reduce flooding in about 63 percent of areas within the Pasig-Marikina River Basin.
Castro said the administration would continue to strengthen flood mitigation measures while responding to immediate needs arising from the latest flooding. (PNA)
