Reclamation mitigates storm surges

In connection with Pamalakaya’s letter “Reclamation projects real cause of storm surge in Manila Bay” (Inquirer, 10/3/11), may I clarify some misimpressions.

First, there is no scientific basis for the claim that reclamation projects cause storm surges. Pagasa scientists define a “storm surge as a phenomenon characterized by a rush of seawater, propelled by strong winds towards the coast.” Per Wikipedia, a “storm surge is an offshore rise of water due to a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones…. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean’s surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea level. Low pressure at the center of a weather system also has a small secondary effect, as can the bathymetry of the body water. It is this combined effect of low pressure and persistent wind over a shallow water body which is the most common cause of storm surge flooding problems.”

Reclamation projects could in fact minimize the effects of storm surges or increased wave action against the mainland as has been experienced in England, the United States, Spain and the Netherlands. Built along coastlines, reclamation projects act as buffer zones mitigating tidal wave actions on the land.

Technically, the containment structures of reclamation projects are built structurally stronger than ordinary breakwaters thus increasing the defenses of an exposed coastline. Moreover, the reclamation along Manila Bay has positively expanded the land assets of the government, increased sources of revenues in terms of real estate taxes paid by developers of these reclaimed lands, increased employment opportunities for jobless workers, created platforms for needed infrastructure, attracted more foreign investments in trade, tourism and export-oriented businesses, and on the whole became economic bases for growth in the country, at zero-cost to the government.

Finger-pointing should stop now. Perhaps Pamalakaya should look positively at the benefits reclamation can generate for its members. What the government should consider is a program to build a chain of islands on Manila Bay. The channels between these islands could then be secured by hydraulic gates that could be closed or opened depending on the weather condition. Consider the gate built by the Dutch in the Netherlands Delta project, and by England’s Thames project to protect London from storm surges.

In our own small way, we have proposed to the city government of Parañaque the creation of a Fisherman’s Village, through land reclamation, to set up housing projects, business and educational centers for fishermen and their children.

Long-term problems positively viewed are situations requiring long-term solutions.

—JOE CORTEZ director, DING WENCESLAO, chair,

Katipunan ng mga Mamamayan ng Bagong Parañaque Inc.,

3/F Aseana Powerstation Bldg.,

Aseana Business Park, Macapagal Boulevard cor. Bradco Avenue, Parañaque City