Here comes the rain again

YESTERDAY was a freak as posh Belisario Heights was deluged up to areas that are normally not affected by flood. True, the park area of the subdivision is reputed to become the catchbasin when heavy rain falls, affecting the surrounding homes. But yesterday’s flood was unusual. More unusual because it stayed until noontime.

Dabawenyos would attest how floodwaters, no matter how high, would easily trickle out hours later, usually along with the tide as it ebbs.

But the incident yesterday underscores the need for the City Engineers’ Office to regularly check the status of drainage systems in the city.

It’s the least that residents can expect. They’re used to floods, yes, especially those in flood-prone areas, but even they expect the floodwaters to subside and not linger on. That it lingered only means a major drainage way has been blocked, and it is beyond the capability of residents to know where the blockage is. Government has to step in.

This is a reminder to all as well that June is fast approaching, and we should be expecting more rains, ergo more flooding and more inconveniences. Let us make sure that these inconveniences do not become disasters. Preparedness remains the best weapon against the worsening climate conditions.

Residents of flood-prone areas must be quick in vacating their homes when the need arises. The recalcitrance of many for fear of being looted is placing unnecessary risks to rescuer workers’ lives.

Those living in these flood-prone areas should by now know the drill: floodwater will lift your appliances and furniture, that is a fact. If you can’t nail them down, then just accept the fact that they will be floating, so the least you can do is to make sure they do not float away. Those big plastic containers being sold in the malls are of very good use in keeping your clothes and other household items dry. Just seal them properly when the rains come (using rubber strips as gaskets make these plastic containers more watertight, otherwise, at least the stuff inside will not be as waterlogged as they would be if left to the elements.

There’s a lot of room for creativity in adapting to the worsening conditions. Of course, the best option is to permanently move to higher grounds, but for many of us who can barely afford to keep one house, that is not really an option.

It’s the season. Keep a close watch on weather updates and warnings in your barangays. It pays to be prepared all the time.