Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called on local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other urban areas to adopt proactive, science-based measures to combat worsening flooding caused by increasingly heavy rainfall due to climate change.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR highlighted the substantial increase in rainfall, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), attributing it to climate change. This shift in weather patterns has heightened the challenges in urban areas like Metro Manila, where heavy downpours frequently overwhelm drainage systems, leading to severe flooding.

The DENR emphasized the importance of LGUs integrating comprehensive flood risk reduction programs into their urban design and solid waste management plans. Such integration, they argue, will better equip communities to protect themselves from the adverse impacts of increased rainfall.

To effectively tackle the worsening flooding in Metro Manila, the DENR recommended several key strategies. These include upgrading drainage systems with modern solutions to handle intense and frequent downpours, improving solid waste management to prevent garbage from blocking floodways, engaging communities in planning and executing localized flood prevention initiatives, and restoring ecosystems through green infrastructure to enhance water absorption.

The DENR identified poor solid waste management as a major contributor to flood-related damage in urban areas, as clogged waterways impede rainwater discharge. They stressed the necessity of adapting urban planning strategies to confront the challenges posed by climate change and safeguard communities.

As climate change effects become more pronounced, the DENR reiterated its commitment to collaborating closely with LGUs and the public to foster flood resilience and sustainable urban development.