KNEE-DEEP flooding hit several areas in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu following heavy rain on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Noel Nelson Ababon, head of operations and warning division at Mandaue City Hall, said Barangay Tipolo experienced flooding, but the area remained passable and no evacuation was necessary.
In Lapu-Lapu City, emergency operations manager Andy Berame reported that flooding occurred in Sitio Tangke, particularly along an interior road near Basak Elementary School, and in other sections of Barangay Basak.
Berame said the flooding was caused by garbage blocking drainage systems and incomplete drainage infrastructure.
He further said ongoing drainage work in the area has yet to be connected to the main outfall, contributing to recurring flooding during heavy rain. He noted that a residential area across from an industrial zone and a section near a gas station were also affected.
“That has been a long-standing problem because the area is a wetland,” Berame said in Cebuano. “The situation only gets worse because people carelessly throw garbage, and even though the drainage system isn’t fully connected yet, the trash already causes clogging.”
He said that once the drainage project is completed, flooding in the area should be addressed.
Berame confirmed that no residents were evacuated but said that evacuation procedures are in place. Basak Elementary School is designated as an evacuation site if needed.
The country is experiencing more frequent rain and weather disturbances in the second half of the year. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared the start of the rainy season on June 2, signaling the end of the dry season. / DPC