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Herrera cautions coastal villagers to be on guard

Sunday Post
June 22, 2008

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 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.

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.

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