Heavy rain brings flooding to Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities
**Flooding in Lapu-Lapu City: A Persistent Issue Due to Wetland and Drainage Woes**
Heavy rainfall in the Philippines, particularly in the city of Lapu-Lapu, has led to recurring flooding, primarily affecting the Sitio Tangke area. The city's vulnerability to flooding is due to its wetland nature, compounded by incomplete drainage infrastructure and the accumulation of garbage in drainage systems.
The flooding, which occurred on July 5, 2025, affected residential areas across from an industrial zone and a section near a gas station. Fortunately, no evacuations were necessary, as the flooding was not severe enough. However, the local government has evacuation procedures in place, with Basak Elementary School designated as an evacuation site should the situation worsen.
The flooding in Lapu-Lapu City is a recurring issue, with ongoing drainage work yet to be connected to the main outfall. This incomplete connection leads to clogging and prevents proper water flow, exacerbating the flooding problem. To address this, the city is undertaking drainage improvement projects aimed at completing the drainage connection to the main outfall. Once these projects are finished, flooding in Sitio Tangke is expected to be significantly reduced.
In addition to the drainage issue, the accumulation of garbage in drainage systems also contributes to the flooding problem. The city government encourages its citizens to dispose of their trash responsibly to prevent such blockages.
Meanwhile, in the neighbouring city of Mandaue, Barangay Tipolo experienced flooding but remained passable, and no evacuation was necessary.
In Lapu-Lapu City, Andy Berame serves as the emergency operations manager, while Noel Nelson Ababon holds the position of head of operations and warning division at Mandaue City Hall. Both are instrumental in managing the city's response to weather disturbances and flooding incidents.
The Philippines is experiencing more frequent rain and weather disturbances in the second half of the year, making it crucial for cities like Lapu-Lapu to address their drainage issues and promote responsible waste management. By doing so, they can minimise the impact of future floods on their communities.
[1] Based on information provided.
- The persistent flooding issue in Lapu-Lapu City, particularly in Sitio Tangke, can be attributed to its wetland nature, incomplete drainage infrastructure, and the accumulation of garbage in drainage systems, which are exacerbated by factors like climate change and the Philippines' increasing frequency of rain and weather disturbances.
- To mitigate this recurring flooding problem, environmental-science principles should be applied to develop comprehensive solutions, including the completion of drainage connections to the main outfall and promoting responsible waste management within the city.
- It is essential for individuals living in cities like Lapu-Lapu, which are likely to experience further flooding due to climate change, to understand the role they play in maintaining a healthier environment by disposing of trash responsibly and supporting efforts focusing on weather and climate-change mitigation.
