UGONG. Pasig City — Twenty-six trucks were needed to haul more than 600 tons of garbage collected by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from the streets and canals of Metro Manila in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha) and the enhanced southwest monsoon or 'habagat'.

Amidst Crising's onslaught, the MMDA focused from July 18 to 22 to clear blocked drainage systems and flood-prone areas in order to reduce further disruptions triggered by flash floods and blockage of several roads due to fallen trees and other obstacles and debris.

In a post assessment report, MMDA chairman Atty. Romando 'Don' Artes disclosed that 526.8 tons of waste were removed from 71 pumping stations while another 76.9 tons, or about 26 truckloads, came from nearby neighborhoods close to creeks and other water sources that overflowed because of the heavy rains.

Cleared debris included broken appliances, furniture, tree trunks and plastic waste—items found clogging drainage systems and damaging pumping equipment.

Artes explained that plastics and large objects can wrap around pump motors, stalling their normal run and leading to overheating and costly repairs. He added that while all of the pumping stations remain operational, there is an urgent need for a long-term drainage master plan to upgrade Metro Manila’s aging flood control system, some of which is over 50 years old.

The MMDA chair likewise reminded the public, particularly residents living near the rivers and creeks, to practice proper waste disposal, especially during the rainy season when trash can block drainage and increase the risk of flooding.