Cebu City has officially declared a state of calamity following widespread flooding that forced multiple evacuations and exposed major infrastructure issues. The City Council passed the resolution on Tuesday, July 22, after intense rains triggered by Severe Tropical Storm Crising battered the city.
Councilor Dave Tumulak confirmed the declaration was based on recommendations from the mayor and disaster risk officials. He said the city urgently needs funds to respond to the flood crisis and to carry out drainage repair work.
PAGASA earlier announced that a low-pressure area had intensified into Severe Tropical Storm Crising while still within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The storm brought torrential rains across the Visayas, overwhelming drainage systems in Cebu City.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) reported that floodwaters reached hip-level in several communities. They launched multiple rescue operations as residents became trapped inside homes and buildings.
The initial calamity declaration was made by CCDRRMO on July 18. That advisory was then submitted to the city council for formal approval.
P61 million needed but only P15 million available for urgent drainage work
According to Councilor Tumulak, the disaster management office has requested access to the city’s quick response fund of P61 million. However, the government may only be able to use P15 million at this stage.
The limited funds will be used to desilt rivers and clear clogged waterways that worsened the flooding. Among the priority areas are Estero de Parian and the Kamputhaw River, both of which overflowed during the heavy rains.
Mayor Nestor Archival said declaring a state of calamity was crucial to fast-track emergency response. He emphasized that funds are urgently needed for equipment rental, desilting efforts, and relocating affected families.
Archival explained that the flooding exposed deep flaws in the city’s disaster readiness. He noted that waste management failures had contributed significantly to blocked drainage systems.
He said the city’s flood management council was ordered to begin rapid cleanup operations and immediately evacuate residents from riverside areas. The mayor added that Cebu’s outdated drainage master plan, last updated two decades ago, must now be reassessed.
Evacuations and rescue operations expose city’s flood vulnerability
Emergency responders reported that several families were trapped in their homes as muddy waters poured into communities. In some areas, residents were forced to flee with only the clothes they were wearing.
Photos shared online showed people wading through dark, debris-filled water, some carrying pets and children above their heads. In Barangay Lahug, floodwaters poured into low-lying houses, destroying furniture and electrical appliances.
Officials said the flooding was worsened by garbage buildup in major rivers and esteros. They warned that continued rains could result in more life-threatening situations if cleanup work is delayed.
CCDRRMO personnel remained on alert as rainfall persisted throughout the week. Local barangays were instructed to monitor riverbanks closely and prepare for more possible evacuations.
Drainage plan under review as city faces future storm risks
Mayor Archival said the city’s 20-year-old drainage master plan was now under scrutiny. He admitted that the plan no longer matches the city’s current needs and population growth.
He added that climate change has made heavy rainfall more unpredictable and destructive. The mayor said long-term solutions would require coordination with national agencies and environmental groups.
While the city scrambles to repair clogged waterways, experts said Cebu must prioritize sustainable flood prevention. They warned that without major drainage upgrades, similar disasters could strike again before the year ends.
Tumulak confirmed that emergency funds will prioritize equipment rental, river dredging, and the temporary relocation of residents near flood-prone areas. However, he warned that these are only short-term measures.
The mayor echoed this concern and stressed the need for a complete overhaul of Cebu’s flood response strategy. He said he would propose a budget revision to speed up implementation of drainage system upgrades.
Meanwhile, CCDRRMO teams are working round-the-clock to prevent further tragedies. As residents begin to clean their homes and count the damage, city officials are racing against time to keep the next downpour from turning fatal.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.