House Panel Sets Probe On Metro Flooding
“It’s true that rains dumped by this typhoon were record-breaking, but we, as government, should be fully prepared for such worst-case scenarios,” Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano said.
The House committee on Metro Manila development is set to investigate the massive flooding brought about by Super Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon that submerged the whole metropolis and nearby provinces on Wednesday, July 24.
Committee chairman and Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano said on Thursday, July 25, they have to “assess the extensive damage” as the typhoon wreaked havoc on homes and trapped thousands of vehicles in floodwaters in the National Capital Region and nearby areas.
“First of all, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) should explain what happened to our flood control systems and why was it not able to contain the rains dumped by (Super Typhoon) Carina,” he said.
“It’s true that rains dumped by this typhoon were record-breaking, but we, as government, should be fully prepared for such worst-case scenarios. Let’s always expect the worst. Our benchmark should always be super typhoons Ondoy and Yolanda,” Valeriano added.
In a chance interview on Thursday, Speaker Martin Romualdez said he fully supports the House inquiry as he highlights the oversight function of Congress.
He explained that the government has a master plan on flood control and there is a need to comply and update such plan. There should also be a relocation plan for those living in low-lying areas as heavy rains and climate change are unavoidable.
