Marcos calls for updated hazard maps

MANILA, Philippines — In the aftermath of the destructive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Enteng and as the threat of another typhoon in the next few days looms, President Marcos has called for the updating of flood hazard maps, citing changes in the course of flood waters.

“Although we already have it, we still have to (update flood hazard maps),” Marcos said. “It’s an old plan and it was relevant for maybe five, six, maybe even more, maybe 10 years ago. The weather has changed. So, we have to revise it to make sure that it is addressing the challenges that the new weather is bringing.”

“We will just keep responding. But at the same time, we are not only sending relief goods, we are very, very busy planning the large-scale, long-term plan,” the Chief Executive added.

Marcos said it has become very difficult for the weather bureau to forecast the “very changeable” weather.

“It’s that big a change... That is what we have to deal with... And I think we’ll be able to manage it but we have to come up with new strategies, new long-term solutions that might take a little time before they take effect but we will rush it as quickly as possible,” he added.

During a situation briefing on the impact of Enteng in Antipolo City last Friday, Marcos asked officials about the cause of the flooding, even if it was not as heavy as during previous typhoons.

The President pointed out that the volume of water during Enteng was even less than what Carina had unleashed in July, inundating many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

He added that some Metro Manila areas that had not experienced flooding in 15 years became submerged during Carina.

“You know, we can always just say it’s climate change and it is. But we have to really study the course of the water, what changed,” Marcos said.

“What we’re going to have to do here is we’re going to have to really look and see what are the changes that have happened,” he added.

Marcos said the heavy flooding in Enteng-hit areas was caused by the southwest monsoon, high tide and garbage.

He also expressed belief that overpopulation has something to do with flooding, as construction of dwellings may have changed the terrain and blocked