TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Ormoc has been planting more trees and bamboos as well as clearing waterways from obstruction as flood mitigation measures.
From 1996 to 2001, the Japan International Cooperation Agency implemented several disaster management projects in Ormoc including repair of two revetments, repair of three slit dams, repair of eight drop-off works, improvement of inland water drainage in the two main rivers, and construction of five new bridges.
On Tuesday, Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez encouraged her constituents to continue working on a more resilient city, 33 years after the Nov. 5, 1991 flash flood that killed about 8,000.
Gomez honored the lives lost and the “courage that defines” the people of the city.
“This day reminds us of the undefeatable spirit of Ormocanons, who rebuilt their lives with resilience and faith as their foundation,” Gomez said.
“Our strength lies in our unity, allowing us to overcome even the greatest adversities. Let us also take a moment to pray for the eternal repose of those we lost, and may their memory inspire us to build a more resilient Ormoc.”
Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez said the 33rd commemoration of the tragedy strengthens further the city’s commitment to caring for the environment.
“Our resilience as a people is deeply tied to the health of our land, rivers, and forests, which also buffer the effects of nature’s fury. Through conservation and mindful stewardship, we can safeguard our community and prevent any tragedies,” Rep. Gomez said.
As part of the commemoration, city government employees attended a Holy Mass at the Ormoc City Hall lobby.
The flash flood, spawned by Typhoon Uring also damaged 14,000 houses, blamed on illegal logging and deforestation.
Low-lying communities were submerged in as much as three-meter-high (nine inches) water.
Today, Ormoc City is a first-class independent component city in Leyte province with a population of about 231,000 as of the 2020 census. (PNA)