The Metro Manila Development Authority on Wednesday drew up a list of flood-prone areas in the National Capital Region that the public should avoid, especially during rush hours and heavy downpour.
With about 20 tropical cyclones entering the country every year, the MMDA also reminded the public to heed warnings and take all precautions to protect their health and ensure safety during a bad weather condition.
Among the MMDA-identified flood-prone areas in the metropolis are Rizal Avenue corner Ricardo Papa, Sampaloc and its immediate vicinity, and Quiapo and its immediate vicinity, all in the City of Manila; Makati Diversion Channel, South Superhighway, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and its vicinity, all in Makati City; Maysilo Circle-Boni Avenue and its vicinity, Kalentong Street, New Panaderos Street, Shaw Boulevard and Acacia Lane, all in Mandaluyong City; Barangay Doña Imelda, Damayan Lagi, Tatalon and Talayan, all in Quezon City, and the Ninoy Aquino Avenue and its vicinity in Parañaque City.During heavy rains, the agency advises people to: Stay indoors and keep calm; Monitor TV and radio reports; keep roads clear for emergency vehicles; go to the nearest designated evacuation center if your house is in a flood-prone area; Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries; and stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
"In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home. Stack furniture above the expected flood level and keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters," the MMDA stated.
The MMDA also asked to people to avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs, and foothills during heavy downpour.
"Rain can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides. Avoid wading through flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood and do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded," it added.
The MMDA urged local government officials to use public schools in their areas as evacuation centers for residents who would be affected by landslides and other cases of emergency.
Last Tuesday, tropical depression Maring brought heavy rains and massive floods in Metro Manila. It also resulted in heavy traffic and the suspension of classes in the National Capital Region and some provinces.
MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos encouraged private individuals and other sectors to come up with proposals and innovative projects with the use of advance technology to help the agency on its mandates like flood control, solid waste management, health and public safety, and urban planning and renewal.
“We are continuously encouraging them to engage the agency about their concepts and technological solutions. We know that there are individuals and groups out there who are willing to help the government,” Orbos said.
“We are aware that talents abound our country. That’s why we are appealing to them to share their know-how on these concerns to the agency,” he added.
Government officials said the massive floods in Metro Manila caused by the garbage problem and clogged waterways. They attributed the clogging to residents and informal settlers living along and near the creek.
During his term, former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino had proposed the use of waste-to-energy incinerators to solve the garbage problem that causes massive floods in Metro Manila.
He said members of the Metro Manila Council, the MMDA’s governing board and policy making body, had already passed a resolution calling for the use of the waste-to-energy incinerators.
Tolentino said at least four incinerators will be needed to clear all garbage in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western part of Metro Manila, which produces an average of 8-ton of garbage daily. He added the government would spend P7 billion for each incinerator.