Typhoon Mario

TYPHOON MARIO

by Antonio C. Antonio

September 19, 2014

Metro Manila woke up again to the rhythmic pouring of torrential monsoon rains (meaning: falling rapidly and in copious quantities).  Although “Mario” is a relatively weak typhoon, news reports have it that the rainfall warning level for the entire metropolis is ”red”, classes and work has been suspended, utilities (electricity and water) are shutting down, and Metro Manila is again flooded, non-productive and a disaster area.  More disturbing is a weather bulletin that says this condition will continue in the next 36 hours.  The situation can be compared to Typhoon Ondoy that hit the Philippines in September 26, 2009.  On a lighter and trivial note, the vehicular color coding scheme has been suspended today… but, where could anyone go today?... unless you own an amphibious vehicle.

The question that persistently lingers in the minds of Metro Manilans is why do we again have to go through the same problem (of Ondoy) that gave us immeasurable suffering almost five years ago.  There has to be a logical explanation for all our trials.

Metro Manila floods are due to both natural and anthropogenic (man-made) causes.  As for the typhoons being part of nature’s system, there really is nothing much we can do but adapt to them.  The subsequent flooding that torrential rains cause goes beyond mere adaptation; therefore, mitigation should be the ideal order.  Serious concern should be put into the following issues:

1.     Massive campaign to increase the level of awareness of Metro Manila residents on solid waste management;

2.     Demolition of obstructive infrastructure along Metro Manila’s natural waterways; and,

3.     Dredging (cleaning out of waterway beds by scooping out mud, weeds and rubbish with a dredge) of our waterways (rivers and esteros).

Just my little thoughts…

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