PUBLIC SERVICE. Local government workers declog drainages along flooded W. Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City on Wednesday (July 24, 2024). Trash that block drainages worsens flooding. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA, Philippines — The Pasay City government on Thursday addressed issues surrounding the cause of flooding incidents in the city, clarifying that flooding was not caused by the ongoing Pasay coastal development project.
“After thorough investigation and assessment, we have identified that the primary cause of the flooding was the clogging of drainage systems by truckloads of garbage, as well as fallen branches and leaves from trees situated along the main thoroughfares,” the Pasay City government said in a statement.
“It is important to clarify that the flooding was not a result of the ongoing Pasay coastal development project,” it added.
READ: Resumption of 2 reclamation projects cheered, jeered
The local government (LGU) announced in November 2023 that the reclamation projects under Pasay Eco-City Coastal Development would continue as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exempted them from a suspension order of Manila Bay reclamation projects.
Further, the LGU noted that the project underwent a “transparent and meticulous approval process” for compliance with the government’s regulations and consideration of responsible reclamation for the environment.
The onslaught of Typhoon Carina left the National Capital Region in a state of calamity. In an emergency meeting with the Metro Manila Council on Wednesday, Rubiano reported that evacuation continued in low-lying areas such as along Maricaban creek.
READ: Carina floods leave PH capital in state of calamity
While Carina exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday morning, the southwest monsoon enhanced by the typhoon will bring heavy to intense rainfall over Ilocos Region, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan on Thursday night, while moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast over areas in the western part of Luzon from Thursday night to Saturday.