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Coastal
warned of heavy rains
By KIT BAGAIPO
Vice
Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera has warned villagers living in coastal communities
to be on guard with the advent of the rainy season.
The
vice governor issued the warning in the wake of reports that there has been a
noted rise in the high water mark in many seaside villages.
"It
would be better for authorities in the respective barangays to make the necessary
preparations," he bared. | |  HERRERA |
Herrera
said that there are increasing signs that the high water mark is rising in areas
close to the sea.
"This
is one of the manifestations of global warming," the vice governor pointed
out.
He said it is better for the residents themselves and authorities to take
steps before any untoward incidents happen.
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Herrera pointed
out that the water is normally high in June as the feast of St. John is approaching.
It
is even higher now considering that the water is higher than the normal levels
in the previous years.
The
vice-governor said the villagers themselves should be informed about the risks
that they are taking if they insist to remain in their homes.
"They
do not know the danger that the floodwaters bring to their homes and their families,"
he pointed out. | Herrera,
who is acting governor while Gov. Erico Aumentado is abroad, said he hopes that
local government executives will take an active role on the matter.
"They
should determine what areas are at risk of flooding because they are the ones
who are familiar with their respective localities," he added.
The
vice-governor said the rise in the high water mark is "inevitable" because
the effects of global warming are already being felt.
At
the same time, he also noted that need for a long term solution to the problem
which is to relocate the people residing in coastal villages.
Herrera
admitted that this is much more complicated because this will entail a livelihood
component to encourage the affected residents to cooperate.
"It
is a big problem but we have to face it now to save more lives," the vice
governor noted. | 
