Dike in Obando, Bulacan heavily damaged by Uwan

Severe Tropical Storm Uwan, which peaked into a super typhoon, damaged a dike near the boundary of Barangay Lawa and Paco in Obando, Bulacan.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the dike spanning 130 to 150 meters, was supposed to hold back the water from Paco River. 

“Amid the strong winds caused by Typhoon Uwan, the waves were truly strong, they overflowed—that really happened before, it couldn't be contained anymore,” said Barangay Paco captain Obet Marquez.

Marquez said the cracks in the dike first appeared when Typhoon Emong hit the country. The cracks grew larger when Uwan struck on Monday, causing the collapse of several portions, he added. 

The damage left by the typhoon is not limited to the dike but also on the houses it was supposed to protect.

Glo Santiago, a resident for three decades, said the powerful waves shattered a window of her house.

“The waves were almost only one inch on top of the dike ... .The water slammed against the window, so the window broke from the strength of the impact,” he said. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways, and the local governments of Obando and Valenzuela have been inspecting the dike since yesterday. 

Obando Mayor Leonardo Valeda said they and the City Government of Valenzuela have already allocated funds to repair the dike.

He said at least P25 million is needed just for the sheet piles that will first be installed on the damaged sections.

“Nagpasa na kami sa (DPWH) para sa repair ng mga dike. Nakipag-usap na po ang Bulacan Second Engineering (District) office at local government unit ng Obando para matugunan na, tuluyan nang masara ‘yang nasabing dike, katuwang din ang City of Valenzuela,” said Valeda. 

(We have already submitted [a request] to the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for the repair of the dikes. The Bulacan Second Engineering (District) Office and the local government unit of Obando have already coordinated to address this, to finally close that said dike, with the cooperation of the City of Valenzuela as well.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News