Tuesday, September 23, 2008 City monitors water levels in river By Erwin Cabarles
THE Iloilo City Government, headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas, is now monitoring the level of waters in Jaro River to prepare for another overflow and flood.
This came after reports of the rising levels of water in the rivers of Cabatuan and Maasin towns in Iloilo Province.
Treñas said they are presently on stand-by and are constantly monitoring the water level of Jaro River to caution the public as early as possible.
"Actually, we have been alert since Saturday as the rain constantly poured down here. We are watching out for a possible flood," Treñas said.
Since last week, the rain poured heavily in the mountains of Iloilo. The City Government anticipated it to cause another flood any time.
According to information, tropical storm Nina will only cause heavy rain showers to the region and the only worry that the City Government has is the rising level of river water in Jaro, which usually causes flood all throughout the city.
"If the Tigum and Aganan rivers (in Cabatuan and Maasin) overflow, then there is a strong possibility that our Jaro River will also overflow and cause another flood," Treñas said.
Treñas said he has already coordinated with the various village chiefs of the barangays near the river to also continue monitoring the situation and immediately warn the locals if an overflow happens to avoid untoward incidents.
The latest flood induced by Typhoon Frank in June has caused great damage to Iloilo City's residents and businessmen.
Treñas said he would not allow anything like it to happen again.
