FLOODS, FLOODS, FLOODS!

The floods that swamped various areas in Metro Manila Thursday raised a lot of issues which authorities must clarify to their constituents.

For starters, residents must be informed of what flood control programs and measures, if any, have been implemented so far by their local government units (LGU).

Residents must know the status or condition of these programs and measures. They must be told of the details or the specifications, and most of all the funds allocated and proof of how the money was spent.

LGUs must CLEARLY EXPLAIN what makes floods unstoppable, and sometimes critical, in some parts of their territories for ages.

Like Araneta Ave. and Ma. Clara streets in Quezon City; Espana, T.M. Kalaw and Lagusnilad in Manila and Bangkal in Makati and Dampalit plus several other barangays in Malabon.

In case you missed it in the news, floods rose up to five feet in Lagusnilad; five to six feet in Tatalon, Talayan-Araneta Avenue in Barangay Doña Imelda and Bagong Silangan and up to six feet at the corner of Maria Clara and Amoranto Streets, all in Quezon City.

If LGUs will say that they had asked for national government assistance but have not had any response, they should name the concerned agencies.

And in fairness to LGUs, they should inform the residents on what to do to help control floods. They should point out the residents’ shortcomings, if any.

LGUs had better get tougher on their anti-littering and anti-squatting ordinances. We all know that clogged waterways or drainage systems are among the major causes of flooding.

A coordinated effort by LGUs and their constituents would be a faster way to fight or control floods.

All that has to be done to start this is for the LGU to call for an emergency dialogue with the residents for an update and to come up with recommendations and possible solutions on how to deal with floods.

I’m not saying that floods can be stopped overnight.

But obviously, current flood control measures are inadequate. Before the problem gets a lot more worse, something else must be done.

As in NOW! 30