Assessment of Massive Flooding

In Urban Areas

Submitted By:

Isaih Carlo Dalmas

Karl T. Ramirez

Paul Clarenz Matibag

Vrendon T. Mendoza

Submitted To:

Jizelle Naval

In Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements

For The Subject Technical English

2024
ABSTRACT

Flooding poses a significant threat to urban areas, particularly within the four cities

of Manila: Quezon City, Navotas, Pasay, and Manila. The devastating impacts on public

health and economic stability necessitate a thorough understanding of how these urban

communities cope with such recurring disasters. This study aimed to comprehensively

assess the effects of massive flooding on these communities, focusing specifically on

health-related casualties and the extent of financial damages incurred. The research

employed an online survey distributed via pen and paper to residents of the four cities,

providing valuable insights into the challenges posed by these events in densely populated

settings. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the frequency and severity of flood

related consequences. The results revealed that while flooding occasionally leads to

serious injuries and the proliferation of waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis, fatalities

and exorbitant medical costs remain relatively infrequent occurrences. Similarly, while

increased utility bills and the loss of personal belongings were reported occasionally, the

financial burden is not consistently severe for all residents. However, the study highlights

that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, often experience a disproportionate

worsening of pre-existing health issues during flood events. The study concludes that

massive flooding continues to present a recurring and substantial threat to these urban

areas, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and causing significant

financial strain on households. These findings underscore the critical need for improved

disaster preparedness measures. This includes investments in enhanced drainage systems,

the implementation of targeted healthcare support programs for vulnerable groups, and the

establishment of robust financial assistance programs to mitigate the economic

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consequences of flooding. Crucially, engaging these communities actively in the

development and implementation of effective risk reduction strategies is essential for

fostering resilience and mitigating the devastating impact of future flood events.

Keywords: Flood Gauge Level, Urban Areas, Disaster Resilience

INTRODUCTION

(World Bank, 2024) states that typhoons and storms, such as typhoon Ondoy, are

increasing in frequency and intensity, resulting in more flooding in coastal cities like

Manila. Additionally (World Bank, 2024) highlighted that climate change intensifies this

issue by rising sea levels and intensifying storms, leading to a heightened risk of flooding,

particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The International Hydrographic Review

(2023) notes that storm surges during typhoons have become more prevalent, causing

severe damage to homes and infrastructure. The World Bank (2024) further explains that

changing rainfall patterns due to climate change contribute to more frequent floods, with

stronger storms resulting in heavier rains that overwhelm insufficient drainage systems.

Both the World Bank (2024) and International Hydrographic Review (2023)

emphasize the need for improved urban planning and infrastructure to address these

flooding risks. The International Hydrographic Review (2023) discusses the importance of

monitoring water levels and storm surges, while the World Bank (2024) advocates for

better drainage systems and early-warning mechanisms to enhance public safety during

storms. Urban planning must account for the long-term effects of climate change to

mitigate future flood damage.

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Alcantara, Fellow, Christopher (2019) presented that flooding in the Philippines

not only results in fatalities and health issues, such as outbreaks of leptospirosis and dengue

fever, but also has severe economic consequences. Alcantara et al. (2019) added that from

1978 to 2018, floods caused approximately USD 3.5 billion in damages, affecting critical

sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and education. Agricultural losses are

particularly alarming, as many communities rely on farming for their livelihood. Alcantara

et al. (2019) presented that the damage to infrastructure complicates recovery efforts and

heightens vulnerability to future disasters, increases poverty and undermining development

initiatives in flood-prone areas.

Alcantara et al. (2019) also identifies an alarming trend, the frequency and severity

of floods in the Philippines have increased over time, with over 73% of the economic

damage occurring between 2009 and 2018. This rise correlates with climate change

impacts, urbanization, and insufficient infrastructure. Furthermore, Alcantara et al. (2019)

argued that the Philippine government has been enhancing disaster preparedness and risk

reduction strategies, guided by international frameworks like the Sendai Framework for

Disaster Risk Reduction. Ongoing monitoring of flood data is crucial for developing

effective policies to protect vulnerable communities from future risks.

The study aims to assess the severity of massive flooding in urban areas, focusing

on the respondents’ area of residence, maximum flood gauge level encountered, casualties,

and cost of damages. The study will also recommend improved flood risk reduction

strategies. This study is intended to benefit the local government, urban planners, and local

community residents by offering insights on enhancing flood resilience and disaster

preparedness in urban areas to lessen the severity of future flood events.

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Statement of the Problem

This study intends to assess the severity of massive flooding in urban areas.

Subproblems:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of the following:

1.1 Area of Residence

1.2 Years of Residency

1.3 City of Residency

2. What is the level of assessment of the respondents on massive flooding in urban

areas in terms of the following:

2.1 Flood Gauge Level

2.2 Casualties

2.3 Cost of Damages

3. Is there a variation in the respondents' assessment of the severity of massive

flooding in urban areas when their profiles are considered as test factors?

4. Based on the findings of the study, what resolution may be recommended to

lessen the severity of flooding in urban areas?

Significance of the Study

This study may be beneficial to the following:

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1. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

may use this study to develop more effective flood control and disaster

preparedness strategies.

2. Local communities and residents may benefit from this study by gaining a better

understanding of the risks posed by massive flooding.

3. Urban Planners may use this study as a reference to design a more resilient

effective flood management system to reduce the impact of future flood events.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on the assessment of massive flooding in urban areas,

specifically its severity and the impacts it has on people.

This study will assess the massive flooding in urban areas based on the severity of

flood gauge level, casualties, and cost of damages. This study will focus on four selected

cities in Metro Manila namely, Manila City, Quezon City, Navotas City, and Pasay City.

This study will involve respondents that are residents of any of the selected cities

and have experienced flooding in the community.

The researchers will conduct a survey using pen and paper which will be distributed

amongst the residents of the selected cities who meet the qualification criteria.

However, this study will not test the significant difference because the researchers

will not seek the expertise of a licensed statistician.

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METHODOLOGY

This section offers a detailed description of the methods used for data collection:

sample selection, study design, and research instrument utilization. It serves as a vital

component in ensuring the reliability and credibility of the data collected by the

researchers.

Research Design

This study utilizes the descriptive method. The researchers administered a survey

on the assessment of the severity of massive flooding in urban areas.

Sampling Method

This study includes the respondents who met the following criteria:

1. Must be a resident of any of the following cities: Manila City, Navotas City, Pasay City,

and Quezon City.

2. Must have experienced flooding in the community.

This study includes only the thirty (30) respondents who consented to participate

in the study and met the qualification criteria.

Instrumentation

This study developed a survey questionnaire based on the works by Alcantara,

Fellow, and Christopher (2019), Besarra, Opdyke, and Mendoza (2023), Cruz (2020), and

MMDA (2023). This survey aims to assess the severity of massive flooding in urban areas.
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This survey is composed of two parts. The first section gathers demographic

information from respondents to create a profile. The second section assesses respondents'

experiences on the severity of massive flooding in their place of residence.

This survey uses the 4-point Likert scale:

Scale Frequency Range

4 Always 75-100% of the time

3 Often 50-74% of the time

2 Occasionally 25-49% of the time

1 Never 0-24% of the time

Data Collection

This study followed a series of procedures to collect the necessary data. First,

relevant literature and studies were reviewed to guide the researchers on developing the

survey questionnaire. Based on these literatures, a survey questionnaire was then created

to align with the study’s objectives. To ensure validity, the questionnaire was validated by

three experts in Civil Engineering. Once validated, it was distributed to the target

respondents in a pen and paper method. Only qualified respondents who provided consent

were included in the survey. Finally, the collected data were organized, tabulated, and

analyzed to draw conclusions.

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Ethical Considerations

This study followed ethical practices to ensure participants' privacy and informed

consent. The survey was conducted using pen and paper method, and each participant was

informed about the study's purpose and their rights under the Data Privacy Act of 2012,

including the choice to share their responses only if they agreed. Participation was limited

to residents from specific cities in Metro Manila. Out of those eligible, only thirty

individuals who met these criteria and agreed to participate were included, ensuring that

the study respected their privacy and consent.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Table 1. Profiles of The Respondents

Area of Residence Frequency Percentage

1. Residential 26 86.7%

2. Commercial Areas 4 13.3%

3. Industrial Areas 0 0%

OVERALL 30 100%

Years of Residency Frequency Percentage

1. 1-10 Years 11 36.7%

2. 10-20 Years 14 46.7%
3. 20-30 Years 4 13.3%
4. More than 30 Years 1 3.3%
OVERALL 30 100%
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City of Residency Frequency Percentage

1. Manila City 7 23.3%

2. Navotas City 7 23.3%
3. Pasay City 8 26.7%

4. Quezon City 8 26.7%

OVERALL 30 100%

Table 1 presents the demographic profile of respondents who participated in the

study. Most respondents, 86.7%, reside in residential areas, while 13.3% are from

commercial areas. None of the respondents reported living in industrial areas. This

distribution suggests that the study primarily captures the experiences of individuals in

residential zones, where the effects of flooding might be different from commercial or

industrial locations. In terms of years of residency, 46.7% of respondents have lived in

their current area for 10–20 years, followed by 36.7% who have lived there for 1–10 years.

A smaller percentage, 13.3%, have resided in their area for 20–30 years, while only 3.3%

have lived there for over 30 years. This suggests that the respondents are mostly long-term

residents, providing insights based on sustained experiences in their respective locations.

Regarding city distribution, respondents are evenly spread across the four cities surveyed:

26.7% each from Pasay and Quezon City, and 23.3% each from Manila and Navotas. This

even representation ensures that the perspectives from all four cities are well-represented

in the study, providing a balanced view of the impact of flooding across these urban areas.
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Table 2. Assessment of Flood Gauge Level

Assessment of Flood Gauge Level Mean SD Interpretation

1. Floodwater reaching the curb or gutter level 2.60 0.93 Often

causes minor inconveniences, like blocked
drainage, in your area.

2. When floodwater reaches ankle level, it 2.77 0.90 Often

becomes difficult to walk safely around your
community.

3. Floodwater at knee level makes it dangerous 3.17 0.87 Often

to move around or see where you are
stepping. .

4. When floodwater reaches waist level, you 2.97 1.19 Often

need to move valuable items to higher
floors/ground to protect them from damage.

5. Chest-high floodwaters in your area require 3.23 1.19 Often

emergency evacuations to ensure everyone’s
safety.

OVERALL 2.95 1.02 Often

Table 2 presents a quantitative analysis of flood levels and their associated impacts,

revealing a pattern of frequent and severe flooding. The data, using mean scores and

standard deviations (SD), provides a more detailed understanding than simply stating

frequency. While all flood levels are categorized as "Often," the mean scores illustrate a

gradient of severity and frequency. Floodwater reaching the curb or gutter (mean 2.60) is

frequently reported, causing minor inconveniences. However, the increase in mean scores

for ankle level (2.77), knee level (3.17), and waist level (2.97) flooding shows a clear

escalation in impact severity, despite all being "Often" occurrences. This indicates that
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while minor disruptions are common, more disruptive and hazardous flood events are also

regularly experienced.

The highest mean score (3.23) is for chest-high floodwaters, necessitating

emergency evacuations, further emphasizing the significant risk. The overall mean of 2.95,

while seemingly moderate, reflects the cumulative effect of these frequent events of

varying severity. The standard deviations, while not exceptionally large, show variability

in individual experiences within each flood level, suggesting the need for further research

into factors influencing perceived severity.

Table 3. Assessment on Flood Casualties

Assessment on Flood Casualties Mean SD Interpretation

1. Flooding in your community has resulted in 2.17 0.95 Occasionally

serious injuries requiring medical attention.

2. Illnesses (e.g. leptospirosis) or waterborne 2.47 1.04 Occasionally

diseases, have spread due to contaminated
floodwater.

3. Flooding has exacerbated health problems 2.70 0.92 Often

among vulnerable residents, such as the
elderly or those with chronic conditions.

4. There have been fatalities in your 2.30 0.95 Occasionally

community as a direct result of severe
flooding.

5. Encounter loss of life in neighborhood 1.30 0.60 Never

during flood events.

OVERALL 2.18 0.89 Occasionally

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Table 3 provides insights into how flooding impacts communities in terms of health

and safety. It reveals that flooding occasionally results in serious injuries requiring medical

attention, with a mean of 2.17. Illnesses such as leptospirosis or waterborne diseases also

occasionally spread during flooding events, as indicated by a mean of 2.47. Notably,

flooding often exacerbates health issues among vulnerable residents, such as the elderly

and those with chronic conditions (mean = 2.70).

However, fatalities caused directly by flooding are less frequent, with a mean of

2.30. The occurrence of fatalities within neighborhoods during flood events is reported as

rare, with a mean of 1.30, interpreted as "Never." Overall, the data suggests that while

casualties from flooding are not constant, they pose occasional threats to community health

and safety, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.

Table 4. Assessment on Cost of Damages Due to Flooding

Assessment on Cost of Damages Due to Flooding Mean SD Interpretation

1. Suffer long-term financial impacts due to 1.83 0.79 Occasionally

flood damages.

2. Encounter high medical costs due to flood- 1.50 0.62 Never

related illness (e.g., leptospirosis).

3. Face higher utility bills due to flood damage 2.17 1.02 Occasionally
repairs, restoration, and cleanup.

4. Sustain financial difficulties due to the loss 2.03 0.85 Occasionally

of personal belongings after flooding.

5. Experience loss of income due to family 1.93 0.94 Occasionally

business interruptions caused by flooding.

OVERALL 1.89 0.84 Occasionally

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Table 4 highlights the financial challenges experienced by communities due to

flooding. Long-term financial impacts, such as the loss of personal belongings and

interruptions to family businesses, are reported occasionally, with means of 1.83 and 1.93,

respectively. Similarly, households occasionally face higher utility bills for repairs and

cleanup (mean = 2.17). On the other hand, high medical costs due to flood-related illnesses

are reported rarely, with a mean of 1.50, interpreted as "Never." The overall mean of 1.89

indicates that while financial challenges due to flooding are not frequent, they are still a

notable concern for affected communities. These findings underline the importance of

disaster preparedness and financial support mechanisms to minimize the economic impact

of flooding.

Conclusion

Flooding in urban areas frequently reaches levels that make it difficult for people

to move around safely, especially during severe conditions. Emergency evacuations are

often necessary when floodwaters rise to dangerous levels, such as chest deep. While

serious injuries due to flooding occur occasionally, they are not a widespread issue in most

urban areas. Fatalities and loss of life caused by flooding are rare, indicating that

emergency responses are somewhat effective in preventing deaths. However, health

problems like leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases occasionally affect vulnerable

populations, posing significant health risks.

The financial impacts of flooding are experienced occasionally by affected

communities, particularly through damage to utilities and personal belongings. Families

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often face challenges in recovering from these losses, especially when floods disrupt daily

activities. Income interruptions and financial strain are also common among those relying

on small businesses that are impacted by flooding. However, medical costs related to flood-

associated illnesses are rare, suggesting that severe health effects are less frequent.

The financial and health impacts of flooding are manageable but require attention

to minimize long-term consequences. Flooding at higher levels, such as waist- and chest-

deep waters, often leads to significant disruptions in urban areas. These levels of flooding

increase the risk of injuries and make it harder to ensure safety in the community. While

minor floods can cause inconveniences, the larger-scale impacts of severe flooding require

substantial efforts to be addressed. Communities face occasional health risks and financial

struggles because of these disasters. Therefore, understanding these challenges is essential

to finding effective solutions.

Recommendations

The flood related risks are relatively high in the urban areas, regular drainage

systems should be enhanced to avoid water puddling during the rainfall. It means that early

warning systems can be created for people to prevent the occurrence of severe floods and

deliver criteria about it to leave the area if needed. Awareness campaigns on the measures

to take to avoid being infected with waterborne diseases in the aftermath of floods, such as

leptospirosis, should be participated the public. Healthcare too should also be made easily

available during and after floods to prevent further health complications. All these

measures can greatly diminish the effects of floods on the health and safety of those living

in urban areas.
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People should be able to obtain the necessary resources that help them reconstruct

their dwelling places and replace lost or destroyed property. The officials should either

provide them grants or access to low-interest loans that would help them recover their

business swiftly. Also, the utility companies should ensure that flooding interferes with

services to the least extent and should ensure that the cost incurred to compensate the

required repairs is low as possible. The financial support makes the recovery process easier

for the flood victims.

It is imperative to prevent further damage during extreme and excessive flooding,

and this can be done by raising the kind of capital that would enable them construct

structures of a nature that can withstand flooding. There is a need to apply urban planning

to find areas most susceptible to floods and move vulnerable properties away from such

places. During the floods such infrastructural facilities as flood barriers and retention basins

can be constructed to regulate the floods. In this regard, the coordination between the

government and other participants of the economic turnover can contribute to the proper

utilization of the infrastructure projects.

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REFERENCES:

Alcantara, J., Fellow, P., & Christopher, J. (2019). Briefing Note Regional Fellowship

Program Overview of the Societal Impacts of Floods in the Philippines.

https://pcasia.org/pic/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/20191014_Overview-of-

the-Societal-Impacts-of-the-Philippines.pdf

Besarra, I., Opdyke, A., Mendoza, J. (2024). The Cost of Flooding on Housing Under

Climate Change in the Philippines: Examining Projected Damage at the Local

Scale. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4896490

Cruz, M. (2020). Flood gauge levels and their impact on disaster management in the

Philippines. Philippine Journal of Disaster Management. Retrieved from

https://www.philjdisastermanag.com/article/flood-gauge-levels-and-their-impact-

on-disaster-management-in-the-philippines .

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). (2023). Flood gauge monitoring

system in Metro Manila. Retrieved from https://mmda.gov.ph/ .

The Philippines. Retrieved from https://ihr.iho.int/articles/the-analysis-of-storm-surge-

inmanila-bay-the-philippines
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World Bank. (2024). Philippines - Vulnerability | Climate Change Knowledge Portal.

Retrieved from https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org

APPENDICES
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APPENDIX A
Signed Letters of The Validators

Signed Letters To The Validators

APPENDICES B
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APPENDIX B
Research Survey Questionnaire
Assessment of Massive Flooding in Urban Areas

Data Consent Form:

We are 2nd year Civil Engineering students conducting a study titled “Assessment of
Massive Flooding in Urban Areas”. This aims to assess the severity of flooding in some
cities in Metro Manila.

We kindly request a few minutes of your time to participate in our survey. Your
involvement is entirely voluntary, and you gave the option to decline participation.

While there are no direct benefits for you in taking part in this survey, your responses will
significantly contribute to our research and enrich the data of our study. Please be assured
that all the information you provide will remain confidential, as the data and answers will
solely be used for academic purposes.

Our dear respondents, please signify your intent and consent to the following:

1. Confidentiality Commitment
All data gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and utilized exclusively for
research and analytical purposes. Your responses will be anonymized to ensure that
individual participants cannot be identified in any resulting reports or publications.

2. Utilization of Information
The information collected will be used to aggregate and analyze data usage and insights,
contributing to a better understanding of our audience and enhancing our research based
on your feedback.

3. Storage and Security Measures

Your responses will be securely collected and stored by the researchers. We will implement
reasonable precautions to protect your data from unauthorized access, misuse, or
disclosure.

By proceeding with this survey, you acknowledge that you have read and comprehended
this Data Privacy Consent Statement and agree to the terms outlined herein.

_______ Yes, I consent to share my data. _______ No, I do not consent.

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Will you participate in the survey?

_______ Yes, I will participate in the survey. _______ No, I will not.

Part 1. Profile of the Respondents

Choose the most appropriate response by checking (✔) it.

Area of Residence:
Residential Areas Commercial Areas

Industrial Areas Informal Settlements

Years of Residency:
1-10 Years 20-30 Years

10-20 Years More than 30 years

City of Residency:
Manila City Pasay City

Navotas City Quezon City

Part 2. Level of Assessment of Massive Flooding in Urban Areas

Direction: This part intends to assess the severity of massive flooding in urban areas.

Utilize the rating (Always, Often, Occasionally, Never) to choose the most

appropriate response by checking (✔) it.

Scale Frequency Range

4 Always 75-100% of the time

3 Often 50-74% of the time

2 Occasionally 25-49% of the time

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1 Never 0-24% of the time

Assessment on Flood Gauge Levels 4 3 2 1

Experience minor inconveniences or blocked drainage when floodwater

reaches the gutter level.

Encounter difficult walking conditions when floodwater reaches half

knee level.

Face issues with vehicle mobility when floodwater reaches half tire
level.

Struggle to see where you're stepping when floodwater reaches knee

level.

Require vehicles to take alternate routes when floodwater reaches tire

level.

Need to relocate to a higher floor to avoid floodwater when it reaches

waist level.

Initiate evacuations or relocation of residents when floodwater reaches

chest level.

Assessment on Flood Casualties 4 3 2 1

Experience significant property damage due to flooding.

Observe damage to houses in the community during flood events.

Experience that personal belongings are frequently destroyed due to

flooding.

Witness the loss of life among neighbors and family members during
major/massive flooding events.

Suffer from serious injuries caused by flooding in the community.

Face essential services such as water and electricity be disrupted during

or after a flood.
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Encounter damaged or destroyed vehicles by floodwater.

Assessment on Cost of Damages Due to Flooding 4 3 2 1

Suffer long-term financial impacts due to flood damages.

Experience delays in receiving financial assistance for flood recovery.

Encounter high medical costs due to flood-related illness (e.g.,

leptospirosis).

Face higher utility bills due to flood damage repairs, restoration, and
cleanup.

Sustain financial difficulties due to the loss of personal belongings after

flooding.

Incur costs for purchasing new furniture to replace destroyed/damaged

items due to flood.

Experience loss of income due to family business interruptions caused

by flooding.
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APPENDIX C
Sample Accomplished Survey Questionnaire
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APPENDIX D
Curriculum Vitae
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