EDITORIAL - Disaster zones

Large swathes of Bulacan and Pampanga and parts of Pangasinan have turned into disaster zones amid incessant heavy rainfall and floods that refuse to subside. The massive flooding can’t be due simply to the release of water from surrounding dams, whose operators insist they have been following water release protocols that have been in place for a long time.

Senators have announced that they would conduct an inquiry into the cause of the flooding. They must invite scientific experts for an accurate assessment, so that the proper solutions can be implemented. Apart from climate change, which is triggering extreme weather disturbances, some experts are looking at manmade causes of the flooding that has paralyzed the affected provinces for nearly two weeks now. Any inquiry must spare no one.

In addition to the economic paralysis, health experts are warning of the spread of diseases in the flood-hit areas, notably mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, respiratory and skin afflictions as well as leptospirosis. With potable water supplies affected, there are also concerns about gastroenteritis and cholera. Some residents have reported the emergence of snakes at their homes, with certain species possibly poisonous, as well as rats and other animals that might carry rabies. COVID-19 remains a threat, with highly transmissible new variants still causing debilitation and death.

The most vulnerable to diseases are infants and children below five years old as well as the elderly and ailing. These problems are aggravated by the fact that even healthcare facilities have been affected by the floods, with at least one hospital forced to suspend operations. Persons needing regular dialysis have been among the most adversely affected by the mobility disruptions.

This latest catastrophic flooding may subside in a few days, but it is just the start of the typhoon season, and the disaster is likely to be repeated in the coming weeks. Residents in some areas have said they have been experiencing serious flooding even during high tide.

The affected areas are so vast and densely populated, and permanent evacuation is unlikely. What is urgently needed is a proper assessment of the reasons for the flooding, so that appropriate interventions can be carried out and the damage can be minimized if not eliminated. While considering the possible interventions, the affected communities need immediate assistance to protect public health.