DPWH Orders Dredging of Talomo River, Dike Elevation to Prevent Davao Floods

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday ordered the immediate dredging of the Talomo River and the elevation of a dike along its riverbanks to prevent the recurrence of a flood of the same scale as what happened here last Friday. Dizon made the rounds in flood-affected communities on Wednesday. The order comes after a devastating flood hit Davao City last week, significantly impacting residents' lives. The Talomo River, a major waterway in the city, has seen increased water levels due to heavy rainfall, causing inundation in surrounding areas. While similar floods have occurred in the past, the scale of the recent damage was particularly severe. The DPWH anticipates that dredging the river will improve water flow and increase its storage capacity, thereby mitigating peak flood discharge. Raising the dike's height is also expected to prevent inundation caused by rising river water levels. These measures are part of a long-term flood control plan. In the Philippines, natural disasters such as extreme weather events attributed to climate change are occurring frequently, with flood control in urban areas being a pressing issue. In densely populated areas like Davao City, delayed infrastructure development and ongoing urbanization contribute to the amplification of damage. The DPWH's order is being watched as a response to these challenges. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo