| Blaming |
|
|
| Wednesday, 05 October 2011 | |
|
A major Philippine daily splashed its front page with the headline that climate change is to blame. Referring to the results of a study in 2010 by the Climatology Division of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the news article featured the study's conclusions that climate data from 1960 to 2003 showed significant increases in the frequency of hot days and warm nights in many areas in the Philippines, while cooler days decreased. More rains are also likely to fall in Luzon and Visayas in 2020 and 2050 during the peak monsoon seasons from June to November.
A senate hearing was also called where the dam operators were put to task by legislators for opening the gates of Angat, Ipo, Ambuklao, Binga, Magat dams and releasing waters, blaming outdated rules and breached protocols. Dam operators meanwhile pointed at other government agencies for not responding to their earlier request to release water. Even President Aquino was not spared. While not being blamed for the flooding, there is much attention given to his absence in the flood-stricken areas as relief efforts were underway. Not much focus is being given to the contributing causes to the prolonged flooding and slow receding of water. While the Central Luzon plains are prone to flooding, fishponds and garbage that clog major waterways are slowing down the water flow. Siltation in dams compromise the infrastructure capacity to hold the water volume as originally designed. Heavy sedimentation in rivers and debris build-up undermine river flow. Accountability during calamities does need to be reviewed and assessed so that procedures fine-tuned and adapted for more efficient responses, and capacity is improved for those in responsible positions. With the increasing experiences of extreme weather events, everyone has a stake in ensuring that the preparedness and adaptation measures are in place, from the household level to communities to local government to national government. Early warning systems, evacuation procedures to safe places, relief management, rehabilitation and reconstruction, zoning and land use planning are some key areas we need to focus in the years to come. Blaming will never help our situation and diverts the focus and attention needed for meaningful and long-term solutions. |
|
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 October 2011 ) |
In the aftermath of Typhoons Pedring (Nesat) and Quiel (Nelgae), the severe flooding that submerged towns in Bulacan and Pampanga in Central Luzon and its slow dissipation is provoking yet again another round of blaming as to who can be made accountable for this calamity that left thousands homeless, caused more than 50 deaths, destroyed infrastructure, and resulted in massive agriculture losses.