Man-made river channel exacerbated Dagupan flood
A COMBINATION of torrential rains and the rise of tidal water were bad enough for Dagupan, a coastal and low-lying city.
But the flooding in Dagupan over the last two weeks since Typhoon Maring hit Luzon island was exacerbated by what Mayor Belen Fernandez called a “defective man-made river channel”, which diverted the flow of floodwater to Dagupan from adjacent Calasiao.
The town of Calasiao also went deep under floodwater at the height of Maring, which was immediately followed the proceeding week by Typhoon Nando.
According to the City Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), the recent flood affected some 20,000 families and cause the evacuation of 516 persons the Dagupan People’s Astrodome.
Fernandez said she is scheduled to meet with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Agno Flood Control Office to discuss the man-made river channel which was constructed last year, prior to the incumbent mayor’s term.
No casualties were reported, said Ronald de Guzman, CDRRMC executive director, attributing this to the timely forced evacuation undertaken with the help of the Philippine Navy, PNP Maritime Command and the Dagupan Police.
The heavily affected areas were Barangays Malued, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande, Pogo Grande, Bacayao Sur and Bacayao Norte.
The city government declared a state of calamity in the affected barangays.
Leah Aquino, city nutrition officer, said there were 41 non-government organizations that gave food, medicines, used clothing, and toiletries to the evacuees.
Fernandez handed out certificates of commendation to personnel of the Philippine Navy, PNP Maritime Police, Dagupan City Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection Services for their assistance during the disaster.
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