DPWH dredges waterways in flood-battered Eastern Visayas
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has removed 288 cubic meters of silted materials in its dredging operations of major waterways in flood-battered Eastern Visayas.
The DPWH used 11 amphibious excavators to desilt major waterways in the following areas:
- Sta. Sofia Canal in Padre Burgos, Hilongos, Leyte
- Mangonbangon River in Tacloban City, Leyte
- Bangon River in Palo, Leyte
- Canturing River in Maasin City, Southern Leyte
“With the use of an amphibious excavator, an estimated volume of 288 cubic meters of silted materials were removed during the non-stop 6-hour dredging operation.” the DPWH said in a statement on Monday.
“These efforts are being done to ensure the safety of residents, mitigate effects of flooding on livelihood, water quality, and vegetation, and protect roads and bridges from flood-related damage and destruction.”
A number of widespread rain-inducing low pressure areas have entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility since the beginning of January. At the same time, a shearline and the northeast monsoon, or amihan, continue to affect the country, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
As of this writing, seven people died in Eastern Visayas due to flooding, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
