Command center to monitor dams eyed in 4 provinces

Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo said local government units (LGUs)  of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Pampanga are planning to create a command center for better monitoring of water levels in dams whenever there are weather disturbances.

This, Pelayo said over Radyo Inquirer 990AM on Wednesday, was meant to address the worsening cases of flooding in the areas, which  he said can take as long as 20 days to recede.

The Candaba command post will house equipment to monitor water levels of dikes and dams, he said. Social networking websites are also being eyed for easier dissemination of information during storms.

Pelayo said they also planned to talk to police chiefs in the areas to set up base in the said command center for better coordination with LGUs.

“Ayaw na natin ng rescue dahil ibig sabihin nito ay hindi tayo handa. In reality, napakahirap magrescue, napakalakas ng agos,” he said.

Faster dissemination of the status of dams and better coordination among the authorities would ensure that residents would be given ample time for evacuation, added Pelayo.

Listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM for more reports.