DPWH ramps up dredging in Samar, Leyte to mitigate flooding

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has ramped up dredging in key waterways across Samar and Leyte to mitigate the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

These initiatives aim to address flooding in Eastern Visayas and foster safer and more resilient communities during adverse weather conditions, said Engr. Edgar Tabacon, DPWH regional director, on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Multiple amphibious excavators have been deployed to desilt major rivers and creeks to prevent waterways from overflowing during heavy rains.

“With the weather conditions here in our region, these dredging operations are crucial to mitigating flooding, especially during the rainy season,” Tabacon said.

Among the major waterways being dredged are the Maroyondoyon and Kaglangkoy Creek in Catarman, Northern Samar; Bangon River in Palo, Leyte; Taytayan River in Baybay City, Leyte; and Calbiga River in Calbiga, Samar.

Six waterways in Hilongos, Leyte are also undergoing dredging, Tabacon said.

Meanwhile, desilting activities in Tacloban City have been completed.

A total of 53,958.39 cubic meters of silt was removed from Burayan Creek, while Mangonbangon River saw the removal of 49,653.39 cubic meters of silt.

The Pagsanga-an River in Ormoc City, also in Leyte, is slated for dredging.