Riverwall collapse in Navotas linked to navigational gate

A river wall in Barangay San Jose collapsed last Saturday, triggering a sudden surge of water that led to neck-deep flooding.

Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco said the ongoing construction of the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate, scheduled for completion on Tuesday, 1 July, contributed to the collapse.

“The navigational gate, which was also damaged last year, allowed water to enter — but if the wall of this private property had been in good condition, this much water wouldn’t have reached Celestino,” Tiangco said.

He added that the property owner had already committed to rebuilding the damaged flood wall once the tide recedes.

Tiangco also noted that city officials will inspect the welds on the gate’s left driving arm after a third-party consultant of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) discovered cracks.

At least 100 families from Barangay San Jose have been evacuated.

Earlier on Sunday, the Navotas City Public Information Office reported that a temporary sandbag barrier was breached, allowing water from the Navotas River to overflow and penetrate the sandbags.

A 1.9-meter high tide was recorded at 1:07 PM, causing flooding in both Malabon and Navotas cities.

Floodwaters reached 5 to 7 inches along M. Naval Street in Barangay San Jose, and 4 to 5 inches in Barangay Sipac-Almacen.

In Malabon City, flooding reached 8 inches deep at F. Sevilla corner Estrella in Barangay San Agustin and 4 inches in Barangay Hulong Duhat.

High tides of 1.7 meters and 1.5 meters are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, 1 July, respectively.