Marcos cites siltation problem causing flooding in Ilocos Norte

Malacañang photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pointed out siltation problem in the rivers of Ilocos Norte as the reason for extensive flooding in his home province.

Siltation refers to the accumulation of sediment particles that are transported by water and deposited in riverbeds, reservoirs, and other water bodies.

READ: Marcos pledges P25M to assist Batanes families hit by Typhoon Julian

On Friday, the president and other government officials conducted an aerial survey in the province to determine the extent of damage caused by typhoon Julian.

“The biggest conclusion I can arrive at after flying around is the siltation. Every town, basta may ilog, may problema siltation. Ngayon ko lang nakita na ganun kababaw ang mga ilog dito,” he said in a situation briefing after the aerial survey.

(The conclusion I can arrive at after flying around is the siltation. Every town, as long as there is a river, has a siltation problem. It’s only now that I have seen how shallow the rivers are here.)

Malacañang photo

“It will take us a long time to fix that problem. Anyway, I will look for someone who could help us, I will talk to some of the big companies that specialize in doing this. Maybe we’ll have to import equipment from China… Taiwan… wherever,” the president added.

The local government of Ilocos Norte received P100 million from the Office of the President as assistance for the typhoon victims.