‘Woefully unprepared’

for more green space as well as construction of residences and schools above flood-prone zones. Another proposal is to curb the extraction of groundwater – a major reason for the gradual sinking of several coastal cities. In Metro Manila, the expansion of piped water distribution service has drastically reduced the extraction of water from the ground through pumps particularly in southern communities. But groundwater extraction has not been completely stopped.

Other studies in previous years have shown the lack of preparedness in Metro Manila to cope with disaster in case of a powerful movement along a major earthquake fault that cuts through the mega city from Marikina to Laguna and Cavite.

There are urban planners with sufficient knowledge about building for disaster resilience. The World Bank and other development agencies also have experts who can provide advice, while several countries are also prepared to share their experiences in building disaster-resilient infrastructure. The incoming administration must get serious about building resilience into vulnerable cities and other coastal communities.

After destructive storm surges and torrential flooding in recent years, people in coastal communities have become aware of the risks posed by extreme weather disturbances attributed to global warming. There is also heightened public awareness of the need to make coastal areas resilient to disaster. In the areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda, building back better became a catch phrase.

Yet despite awareness of the risks, a recent study showed that cities around the globe including Metro Manila remain “woefully unprepared” for disasters. The study conducted by the World Bank showed a weakness or failure in planning for extreme weather and other calamities.

Experts have stressed that building resiliency is possible. There are measures that can be quickly implemented, such as ensuring that drainage canals are kept clear of obstructions. The World Bank study notes that stopping the construction of homes or buildings on floodplains in Manila can ease the severe flooding that has become a regular scourge in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas.

The study also suggests planning