Flood in Davao City,30 dead

Maligaya taxi and a Van wiped by the flood (Photo by Joemar Lamata)

(Excerpt from Ver Bermudez column of Davao Daily Tribune)

BAD TO WORSE. There’s no doubt that the flooding problem in Davao City has turned from bad to worse.

Photo by Roland Jumawan

Last night’s tragedy, which reportedly claimed precious lives, should now prompt city officials to give Davao a categorical answer to the flooding problem.

Enough of the alibis. Davao City had already heard so much about climate change, increased volume of rainfall and lack of funds. We cannot continue discussing the causes of the flood and then watch how people are being eaten alive by the floodwaters. This is not to mention the trauma that last night’s flood has brought to many Dabawenyos.

It is not easy to handle such situation. We have heard stories on how Davao residents climbed trees, rooftops and pedestrian overpasses knowing that their lives were already at stake. It was more difficult to see – much more, experience – how parents tried to save their infants and young kids while floodwaters were on the rise. If someone would cry out of fear that their dogs could die in the floodwaters, what more if it was already the life of their child? Or their own lives?

I could only imagine the trauma and the feelings it would bring each time it rains hard.

By the way, Davao City, is typhoon-free.

xxx

ONE, TWO, THREE.. Usually in the past, downpour in Davao City lasted one hour. Then you have motorists stranded, business in mess and families worrying about their loved ones who were not yet home.

Last night, the downpour was two hours. Davao City saw the dead.

What if the rain becomes three hours? Or four? Or the whole day like in the national capital?

We are not waiting for that to happen, to be sure. What we are waiting for is what the local leadership plans to do.

REBUILDING. We know that climate change has contributed to the flooding problem. But that is not reason to leave Davao City for the floodwaters to terrorize or traumatize.

Decades ago, there was a change in Davao. From an isolated and unknown community, it was discovered by travelers who discovered the quality of life it could offer. They made Davao their home. They built houses, streets -- and drainages. And Davao became the country’s most livable.

If Davao was able to build then, it could rebuild now.

Climate change, growing population -- and even corruption -- have their solutions. Denial stage could also be overcome. With what happened last night, it’s clear that the time to summon the solutions is now.