13 December 2006
LEGAZPI CITY—NEXT TIME THERE’S heavy rainfall in Albay, villages could be submerged in flood waters, according to a public works official here.
Several dams and dikes around Mayon Volcano were destroyed by lahar caused by super typhoon “Reming.” Without these structures, floodwaters could create pathways to just about anywhere, said Orlando Roces, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Bicol.
Some of the dams and dikes were destroyed by gullies and river channels located near the volcano’s slopes. The bodies of water overflowed because they could no longer accommodate the 466-millimeter rainfall brought by Reming.
Damage to infrastructure in the Bicol region already reached P1.2 billion, Roces said, adding that it could take years to rebuild everything, depending on available funds.
He said the rehabilitation of flood control facilities would begin with a thorough study on how to effectively redirect flooding to Albay Gulf.
“The course of the water has changed because of the lahar. We will have to wait for the results of the study now being conducted by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which will serve as our guide. Then we will conduct our own two-week study,” Roces said.
An eight-man team of engineers and geologists sent by the Japanese government is now in Albay assessing the damage to flood control facilities and will also give recommendations.
The priority of the DPWH in Bicol was to clear the roads, Roces said, adding that this would be soon completed. A major bridge in Ligao City and five minor bridges were also badly in need of repair.
Roces said he had conferred with top officials of DPWH in Manila and they pledged to send an initial P58 million to Bicol. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon
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