The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called on local government units (LGUs) to take proactive measures in addressing flood risks amid climate change and the onset of the rainy season.
The DENR urged the LGUs to create a future that mitigates flooding risks and enhances overall community resilience.
The agency said assessing the causes of flooding must be rooted in science-based analysis, particularly in light of changing weather patterns influenced by climate change.
The DENR warning also comes in the heels of deadly flash floods in central Texas early this month that claimed more than 100 lives. The Texas calamity underscored the devastating power of the fast-onset hazard—and the critical challenge of ensuring early warnings reach vulnerable populations, even in the dead of night.(Read related story.)
The DENR noted that meteorological data over the past decade indicates a striking increase in rainfall volume, attributed to climate change. This noticeable shift in weather patterns has exacerbated the challenges faced by urban areas like Metro Manila, where heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to significant flooding.
The DENR said it is crucial for LGUs to integrate comprehensive flood risk reduction programs into their design and solid waste management plans. By doing so, communities can better protect themselves from the adverse effects of increased rainfall.
Among the key strategies that the LGUs can undertake are:
—Improved drainage designs and incorporating modern drainage solutions that can handle increased rainfall volumes;
Solid waste management enhancement. Ensuring that waste management systems prevent blockages in drainage systems, which can worsen flooding.
—Community engagement: Involving local communities in planning and implementing flood mitigation programs to raise awareness and promote resilience.
—Ecosystem restoration: Implementing green infrastructure and restoring natural water systems to absorb excess rainwater.
The DENR said it was essential amid the challenges posed by climate change to adapt urban planning strategies to safeguard communities.
It said it was committed to working hand-in-hand with local government units and the public to create a future that mitigates flooding risks and enhances overall community resilience. DENR News
