Carlos to next MMDA chair: Focus on Metro Manila floods

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Emerson Carlos said his successor should focus on flooding in Metro Manila.

 

Carlos who bowed out of office Thursday noon said double effort must be exerted to ensure implementation of anti-flood measures as the La Niña phenomenon looms.

 

“Sinabihan ko nga sila na nag pinakabantayan dito ay ang ulan, baha. Baha at ulan. Dahil alam naman nila. Double effort sa next period,” he said.

 

Carlos earlier said the MMDA is now coordinating with the various local government units of Metro Manila for the enhancement of capabilities, communications, response and partnerships.

 

He said particular attention is being given to the identified 85 flooded areas of Metro Manila.

 

According to Carlos, based on information given by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the full effects of the La Niña phenomenon would be felt in October.

 

“We are at the rutting edge of El Nino, magsisimula na La Nina, Full effects felt October. Sabi ng PAGASA below normal pa sa ngayon ang rainfall. We are expecting above-normal rainfall,” said Carlos.

 

“We have 20 days of rain in a month. 20 out of 30. Ganoon ka frequent,” he added.

 

Carlos said the MMDA has beefed-up its anti-flooding measures, cleared esteros or waterways through its “Estero Blitz” drive and made sure that all of its flood pumping stations are working.

 

“Sasabihin ko sana na OK tayo ngayon kung hindi lang La Niña. As compared to last year kung same rain gauge tayo, mas OK tayo dapat ngayon pero La Nina to,” he said.

 

Carlos said the MMDA is preparing for a possible post-Ondoy scenario during the La Niña period.

 

“In 2009, it was an El Nino year before nag-Ondoy. Yung Ondoy naman ay hindi prolonged rain, ibinuhos ang ulan sa ilang oras. After Ondoy, ganoong level na ang paghahanda namin,” he said.

 

Under its “Estero Blitz" program, Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office personnel have hauled over 1,000 truckloads of silt and garbage from various waterways in Metro Manila from March 1 to June 2 this year, according to the MMDA.

 

The PAGASA earlier reported that the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has caused drought conditions in many parts of the world, including the Philippines, is now steadily weakening and the possibility of a developing La Niña in the second half of 2016 is now increasing.

 

PAGASA said that most climate models suggest that El Niño is now in its decaying stage and a neutral condition is seen by mid-2016, developing into La Niña during the second half of 2016.

 

La Niña is characterized by a persistent cooler-than-average sea surface temperature — below 0.5 degrees Celsius — in the equatorial Pacific, causing storms and rains in many areas.