MMDA blames ‘antiquated’ drainage systems for Metro Manila floods

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) blamed what they called an ‘antiquated drainage system’ or outdated models for the massive flooding experienced in Metro Manila, particularly during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina in July.

“I think it’s pretty much accurate that the flooding was caused by an unprecedented amount of rain, garbage, and maybe I can add, the third one, which is our antiquated drainage system, which were mostly constructed during the 1970s or 50 years ago,” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes Jr. said during the Road to Zero Waste Summit in Pasig City.

It will be recalled that Metro Manila was placed under a state of calamity due to the massive flooding that was brought about by heavy rains from the southwest monsoon enhanced by Carina last July.

At least 15 deaths had been reported.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has blamed climate change and trash in Metro Manila as the primary causes of the massive flooding brought by the heavy rains at that time. 

Likewise, the MMDA noted that the waste collection in the aftermath of the floods was challenging for them at that time.

“We in the agency had difficulty catching up and cleaning up all the garbage left by Typhoon Carina, which of course was generated by communities. The local government units were not able to collect it, maybe because it’s thrown somewhere else,” said Artes.

According to data from the MMDA, it showed that some least 12 to 17 truck loads of waste debris were collected after Carina.