A sudden heavy downpour surprised Baguio City on Holy Wednesday and several vehicles parked at the City Camp Lagoon were submerged as a result.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office said on Maundy Thursday that 11 cars were directly submerged and four of them were immediately removed by their owners.
Only three remained as of 1 p.m. and they will be towed by the City Engineering Office within the day.
SEVERAL cars sunk after a sudden late afternoon downpour inundated the City Camp Lagoon in Baguio City on Holy Wednesday. (JJ Landingin)
According to the city government, improper waste disposal caused the drainage to be clogged during the downpour.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong called for an investigation on why these vehicles were allowed to park on the waterway.
Magalong reminded the people to dispose their garbage properly to avoid these incidents. “We must dispose our garbage properly to avoid clogging our canals and to prevent flooding. Let us all cooperate for a clean and orderly city.”
He said it should serve as a "compelling lesson on the importance of proper trash disposal."
Magalog said the city government has time and again reminded that improperly discarded waste can lead to clogged drainage systems and exacerbate flooding and environmental hazards.
"To prevent such issues, we again remind residents and tourists to dispose of trash responsibly by using designated bins and avoiding littering in streets, gutters, and waterways. Additionally, ensuring that waste is properly bagged and securely tied helps prevent debris from entering the drainage systems."
"By working together to maintain clean and clear drainage systems, we can mitigate the risk of flooding that endangers lives and properties and further protecting our environment," he said.
He commended the Baguio City Police Office, City Camp barangay officials, and the City Engineering Office for swiftly responding to the flooding.