The sudden downpour last Sunday afternoon, June 19, caused traffic buildup, especially in the EDSA Santolan flyover area. Vehicles were forced to stop since the area was flooded.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Metrobase reported that the EDSA Santolan flyover up to the Main Avenue was submerged in flood, which caused heavy traffic. The MMDA said that the flood was caused by trash or garbage.
The agency added that it is regularly conducting cleaning and declogging operations to prevent such a scenario when heavy rainfall occurs. However, despite the agency’s efforts, the MMDA noted that trash or garbage still continues to clog the drainage system. The MMDA said that this has been a recurring scenario due to littering.
“Regular at araw-araw ang ginagawang cleaning at declogging operations ng MMDA, pero hindi nauubos ang mga basura na bumabara sa mga kanal dahil sa paulit-ulit na pagtatapon kung saan-saan lamang,” MMDA said in a statement.
(The MMDA conducts regular cleaning and declogging operations but does not eliminate the garbage that clogs the canals due to littering).
The MMDA is urging individuals to be more responsible and disciplined in disposing of their trash in order to prevent flooding. The agency said that most of the rubbish it has collected are the following: plastic bags, plastic bottles, styrofoam, among others. The said materials disrupt water flow going to the drainage, which causes flood when heavy rain or sudden downpour occurs.
Of note, MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 or the Anti-Littering Law prohibits the dumping or throwing of garbage, rubbish, or any kind of waste in open or public spaces.
The Anti-Littering Law prohibits the following acts:
- Littering, Illegal dumping, Illegal disposal of garbage (Fine/Penalty: Php 500)
- Urinating, defecating, spitting in a public place (Fine/Penalty: Php 500)
- Dirty frontage and immediate surroundings for establishment owners (Fine/Penalty: Php 1,000)
- Improper and untimely stacking of garbage outside residence or establishment (Fine/Penalty: Php 500)
- Obstruction (any dilapidated appliance, vehicle, and etc., display of merchandise, illegal structure along sidewalk) (Fine/Penalty: Php 1,000)
- Dirty public utility vehicles, or no trash can or receptacle (Fine/Penalty: Php500)
- Spilling, scattering, littering of wastes by public utility vehicles (Fine/Penalty: Php 500)
- Illegal posting or installed signage, billboards, posters, streamers and movie ads., etc. (Fine/Penalty: Php 1,000)
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