PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES – PAGASA-Pampanga Warning Center Head, Hilton Hernandez, in a recent statement, clarified that the presence of water-impounding facilities does not guarantee the complete elimination of flooding in flood-prone areas in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.
During an interview with Newsline Central Luzon, Hernandez underscored that the possibility of flooding still remains; however, the focus is on reducing the impact of such floods.
“Hindi naman totally maiiwasan ‘yan [pagbaha]. ‘Yong impacts lang po ang gusto nating i-lessen. ‘Yong tagal at ang laki ng pagbaha,” He said.
[Flooding cannot be completely avoided. We just want to lessen the impacts – the duration and the extent of flooding]
According to him, if flooding typically lasts for several weeks to months, it could potentially be shortened to just a few days, not exceeding a week.
Hernandez further highlighted the importance of effectively managing water from the mountains, as it would be wasteful if it simply flowed into the ocean.
The water accumulated in the impounding facilities could be utilized during periods of drought, he noted.
“Maganda kung totally manage po ang tubig ano? Kasi sayang… tuloy-tuloy lang dumadaloy papuntang dagat tapos pagdating ng dry season or tag-tuyot, kakailanganin natin,” Hernandez stated.
[It’s better if we can totally manage the water, right? Because… it just keeps flowing towards the sea, and when the dry season or drought comes, we’ll need it.]
Additionally, Hernandez expressed concerns about the potential impact of El Niño, which could exacerbate water supply issues in the dams.
He mentioned that as per forecasts, the national weather agency anticipates below-average rainfall in a significant part of the Philippines.
“Hindi naman po lahat ng probinsiya pero marami-rami din po ang as per forecast na below-average ‘yong ating mga rainfall for the month,” He added.
[Not all provinces, but there are quite a few areas where, as per the forecast, our rainfall for the month will be below average.]