Report: Efficient weather, road monitoring needed after MM traffic chaos

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines needs timely and efficient monitoring of weather and road conditions as well as dissemination of accurate information to the public following the June 17 flood-induced traffic gridlock in Metro Manila, the Manila Observatory said.

"In a megacity like Metro Manila, the risk of traffic chaos is high when combined with heavy rainfall, a high volume of cars, vulnerable roads and few alternatives to major thoroughfares," the Jesuit-owned research institution said.

In a report, the observatory added that the heaviest rain could pour during rush hour, which could leave motorists stranded because of heavy traffic.

The research institute said an average of 19 tropical cyclones enter the Philippines every year, but it doesn't take a typhoon to create traffic chaos.

"'Regular' monsoon rain events, such as the Habagat and Monday (June 17) night’s rainfall, show that Metro Manila faces new challenges each rainy season," it said.

Last June 17, heavy rain poured down Metro Manila from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Metro Manila Development Authority said parts of EDSA and C5 suffered the most from heavy traffic, especially the areas vulnerable to flooding.

"The sudden and heavy fall of rain within only a few hours accumulated quickly and caused floods. The runoff may have also overwhelmed local drainage canals and waterways. This, along with other factors such as slope, obstructions or construction on the road, also may have contributed to the flashfloods and caused several choke points along the flood-prone areas along EDSA and C5," the observatory said.