THE Office of Civil Defense - Davao Region (OCD-Davao) has identified drainage problems as a primary cause of flooding in the region.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday morning, January 6, 2024, at SM City Davao, OCD-Davao Director Ednar Dayanghirang highlighted how the region experiences flooding even without severe weather events. He said that localized thunderstorms or the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) are enough to cause significant flooding in some areas.
“Ang pagbaha karon, bisan wala’y typhoon, wala’y tropical storm, wala’y shearline, is caused by a drainage problem– massive drainage problem (The flooding we’re seeing now, even without a typhoon, tropical storm, or shearline, is caused by drainage problems—massive drainage problems),” he said.
He shared insights from investigations into major flooding incidents, including the December 18 flooding in Davao del Norte and subsequent incidents on December 22 and 26 in Davao Occidental and parts of Davao Oriental. These assessments covered five provinces, aiming to identify vulnerabilities and formulate action plans to address the recurring issue.
Dayanghirang underscored the need for collaboration with local government units and national agencies to tackle clogged drainage systems obstructed by gravel and garbage.
He plans to work closely with local chief executives and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on clearing operations, drainage maintenance, and strengthening water dykes to reduce flooding risks.
“I think ang thrust nako for this year is to work with local chief executives na ayuson nato ang mga kanal (My focus this year is to partner with local chief executives to improve drainage systems),” he said. RGP
