Malabon waterways cleared ahead of rain onslaught

The local government of Malabon City has initiated clean-up drives within the city's major waterways and floodgates in anticipation of possible flooding brought by high tides and intense rainfall.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval visited Barangay Hulong Duhat, where she led the de-clogging of drainage channels.

“We are preparing for the rainy season by cleaning up Barangay Hulong Duhat, addressing the damaged navigational gate, and ensuring our pumping stations are working properly,” Sandoval said.

Aside from the clean-up drive, Sandoval also met with Malabon’s first-aid responders to lay out the response plan, discussing all possible emergency scenarios within the city.

As a precaution, a 24/7 Command and Communication Center will be established with the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). The Command Center is expected to gather all information transmitted from different emergency sources or offices, the city’s waterways, road cameras, and early warning systems.

There are at least 48 pumping stations and 120 floodgates situated in different parts of Malabon City, aimed at reducing the risk of major flooding in the area.

Last July 2024, Malabon City was among the areas in the National Capital Region submerged in floodwater after a heavy downpour brought by the southwest monsoon and enhanced by Typhoon Carina.

In anticipation of the rainy season, at least 4,500 food and non-food packs are already prepared by the City Social Welfare and Development Department, ready for distribution if necessary.