Marikina starts preparations for La Niña

The city government of Marikina has started preparing for the upcoming La Niña, Bam Alegre reported on Unang Balita on Friday.

Dredging operations are currently ongoing in the Marikina River, which overflowed during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, flooding the city and adjacent areas.

From 70 meters, the river has been widened to 100 meters. It has also become deeper — from 15 meters to 20 meters.

Because of this and with the help of water pumps and repaired drainages, the city has not experienced any major flooding in the last four years, including in low-lying and riverside areas.

A slope protection project has also been implemented in the river, according to Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro.

"Maiiwasan na 'yung scouring o 'yung pagguho ng gilid ng ilog (scouring or erosion of the riverbanks will be avoided)," he said.

Based on PAGASA's forecast, the La Niña phenomenon may begin between June and  August.  It is associated with above-normal rainfall conditions during the last quarter and early months of the following year. 

The state weather bureau is urging preparations for La Niña, especially in areas prone to flooding. —KBK, GMA Integrated News