Sanitation workers in the Philippines have been seen wading through rivers overflowing with garbage following nine days of torrential monsoon rains. In Paranaque City, part of Metro Manila, the deluge pushed massive amounts of waste into waterways, rendering the water barely visible in some areas.
Workers, some submerged up to their necks in debris, are using cranes, boats, and containers to clear the choked rivers and streams. One image captured a worker standing in the bucket of an excavator as it hovered above the water, aiding in the cleanup effort. The Redemptorist Water Channel in Barangay Baclaran has been identified as one of the worst-hit areas.
Authorities are reportedly considering implementing stricter littering fines in response to the crisis. A spokesperson for the president's office stated that the government aims for clear waterways that allow free flow, indicating this situation is not desired.
Rubbish accumulation has been a long-standing issue in the Philippines. A 2021 study highlighted the Pasig River, near the affected areas, as a significant source of plastic pollution entering the ocean.
The monsoon rains have also triggered deadly landslides and flooding across the country. As of the latest reports, several people have died, eight are missing, and 13 are injured due to the weather. Over 500,000 people in 33 provinces have been impacted, with an estimated 98,000 people displaced from their homes. Hundreds of houses have sustained damage.
In the mountain city of Baguio, four fatalities and six disappearances were reported after a landslide buried homes. State weather forecasters noted that rainfall in Baguio between August 1 and 9 reached 1,413.2 millimeters (56 inches), significantly exceeding the typical monthly average. Parts of Metro Manila recorded rainfall equivalent to about 90 percent of its usual August total.
Additional landslide incidents on Luzon island have resulted in six more deaths. Other fatalities include one person who drowned, one killed by a falling tree, and another electrocuted.
While heavy rains persisted, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon reported that floodwaters were beginning to recede. He emphasized the need to address long-standing issues with flood mitigation infrastructure, referencing past scandals involving billions of dollars spent on ineffective flood-control projects.
The Philippines is situated in a typhoon-prone region and is hit by an average of 20 storms annually, exacerbating the challenges faced by millions living in disaster-prone areas. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events to human-driven climate change.