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MANILA, Philippines – After localized thunderstorms triggered heavy rains and flooding in several areas in Metro Manila last week, Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) Executive Director Mahar Lagmay on Thursday underscored the urgent need to shift from traditional flood control projects to a broader “flood management” strategy.
In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, Lagmay said flooding persists due to rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, clogged waterways and heavier rainfalls linked to worsening climate change.
READ: Project Noah and the flood of forgetfulness that swept it away
“Hindi natin matatanggal ang baha dito sa Pilipinas. Hindi natin matatanggal ang baha dito sa Metro Manila. Ang maaari nating gawin ay pababain para mas mamanage natin. Ayaw na nga namin tawagin na flood control ito at gusto natin tawagin ito na flood management (We cannot eliminate the floods here in the Philippines. We cannot eliminate the floods here in Metro Manila. What we can do is lower it so we can better manage it. We don’t want to call it flood control anymore, and we want to call it flood management),” he said.
