Preventing Armaggedon

Two disaster prone communities show the value of being prepared in the face of natural hazards

MANILA – Dagupan goes down in history as the milkfish capital of the country, producing 35,500 tons of milkfish every year. But such distinction has its consequences. The prime sources of livelihood, Pantal River and Lingayen Gulf, produce the worst floods in the city, taking lives and properties every year.

“History tells us that if rain pours continuously for 2 to 3 days in Dagupan, there will be flooding,” Emma Molina, city agriculturist, shared with abs-cbnNEWS.com.

History likewise prepared the locals for the yearly grievances. When typhoon Cosme (international name Halong) hit Dagupan in 2008 bringing strong winds, it took 4 lives, ruined 5,000 houses, and damaged P550 million-worth of fisheries.

Recently, the city underwent a week-long onslaught from Pepeng (Parma) which produced the worst flooding in Dagupan in 5 years.

Flooding was caused by the overflowing of the gulf during monsoon season. There are 7 rivers that literally flow through the city and empty out on the gulf through the Pantal River. During typhoons and high tides, the current changes and the waters inundate the locals’ houses...more