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…
(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and
Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)
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